At JMAC, gratitude is more than a seasonal sentiment. In a world that constantly pulls us in a dozen directions, reflecting on what truly matters is an invaluable daily practice. And this year, we’ve explored how gratitude doesn’t just ground us; it strengthens our resilience. Here’s how the JMAC team has used gratitude as a tool to overcome setbacks, do our best work, and stay happy and healthy in 2025.
Audree Hernandez, Senior Account Executive
What is something you’ve learned this year that you are grateful for?
I’m grateful for learning how to respond (versus reacting)– taking a beat really makes me ensure that I am thinking of a solution from all angles and that I’m presenting as my best self.
How has gratitude supported your resilience this year?
It’s a great reminder to celebrate my wins, and feed my curiosity.
Casey Burke, Content Writer
What is something you’ve learned this year that you are grateful for?
This year, I’ve learned the importance of opening up to friends and family about my emotions. I’ve experienced a few personal setbacks this year, and I’m grateful that I’ve been able to overcome the temptation to keep those difficult feelings to myself. It really helps to talk things out.
How has gratitude supported your resilience this year?
I’ve tried to practice gratitude in connection with relaxation this year. In particular, taking time outside and being grateful for small, simple things in nature (like the colors of the fall leaves) has really helped bolster my resilience and enabled me to come back to work recharged and refreshed.
Gabie Rudolph, Account Executive
What is something you’ve learned this year that you are grateful for?
I’ve learned to say yes to new opportunities, even when they feel a little outside my comfort zone. It’s opened doors, expanded my confidence, and reminded me how much growth happens when we lean into the unknown.
How has gratitude supported your resilience this year?
Gratitude has supported my resilience this year by reminding me how lucky I am to have friends and family who show up for me.
Joana Estipona, Account Coordinator
What is something you’ve learned this year that you are grateful for?
That asking for help and admitting that you don’t know something is OKAY. It doesn’t mean that you lack intelligence. I am grateful for it because it also taught me that I can trust my team to guide me with patience and support.
How has gratitude supported your resilience this year?
Gratitude has helped me stay grounded and confident, especially in moments when I’ve felt unsure or overwhelmed. Being grateful for a team that’s patient, supportive, and willing to guide me has made it easier for me to keep going instead of shutting down. It reminded me that I’m not alone, that it’s okay to ask for help, and that growth doesn’t have to be done in isolation. Knowing I have people I can rely on has strengthened my resilience and allowed me to bounce back with more clarity and courage.
John McCartney, Agency Principal
What is something you’ve learned this year that you are grateful for?
This year I learned how to protect my energy and meet people where they are. For a long time I had a “my way or the highway” mindset and I now understand that it was not healthy. Through continuing to do the work to become a better version of myself, I realized that my energy is something I need to treat like gold. Not everyone gets access to it and I need to be mindful about where I invest it and what I allow into my space. Learning to meet people where they are and being intentional with my energy has brought more balance, clarity, and peace into my life. I am grateful for that growth.
How has gratitude supported your resilience this year?
Gratitude is part of my daily routine. It shows up in my journaling, in the audiobooks I listen to, and in the moments I take to pause and reflect. Being thankful and grateful for the blessings and opportunities in my life has strengthened me in ways that are hard to fully capture. Practicing gratitude helps me stay grounded, more mindful, and more at peace, even when things feel uncertain or overwhelming. It has supported my resilience by reminding me that there is always something worth appreciating and that perspective has carried me through the hardest moments of the year.
Tijon Dembo, PR Intern
What is something you’ve learned this year that you are grateful for?
This year I learned that even if the path you are taking is different from your peers, it doesn’t make your path any less valuable. Sometimes the unconventional paths are the best roads to success.
How has gratitude supported your resilience this year?
Without gratitude, it is easy to only look at the negative aspects of life. Through taking a step back and looking at all the things you are grateful for, you realize that life has so much more to offer and that you can push through.
