Be Thankful

It’s nice to have a special day of the year to spend with family and friends, acknowledging how fortunate we truly are. We all have so much for which to be thankful. At CCSI, we are thankful for the opportunity to engage with so many others who are striving to improve soil health on Indiana cropland.

We learn from researchers and educators who tirelessly study the many facets of soil health and share their findings with the world. Collaborating with other staff in the ICP (Indiana Conservation Partnership) allows us to accomplish so many more tasks in a timely fashion than we would be able to without these valuable partnerships. Interacting with producers who are on various stages of their own soil health journey is one of the many highlights of the work that we do.

Today, and every day, we hope you know how thankful we are to every person we’ve interacted with on any level this year. Whether you hosted a workshop or field day, helped plan an event, attended a workshop or field day, spoke at an event, asked questions, shared a post on social media, offered advice, lent an ear, listened to our podcasts, read our blogs, learned about a new soil health principle or practice, tried a new soil health principle or practice, shared your successes and failures for the benefit of others or any of a thousand other things that have made a difference in someone’s soil health journey, we applaud you and we thank you!

On a personal level, I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to work with the extraordinary team that is CCSI. Thank you Lisa, Joe, Jessica and all of our many partners. There is something very satisfying about doing meaningful work alongside like-minded individuals.

I invite all of you to take some time this week to focus on the many good things in your life. Let that sense of gratitude wash over you. Gratitude shifts your focus from what your life lacks to the abundance that is already present. Be sure to express your appreciation to those around you. Being grateful doesn’t mean life is perfect. It just means we are aware of our blessings.

Happy Thanksgiving!

Sheila Schroeder

CCSI Northern Program Manager