Gratitude for Great Storytelling
In the spirit of gratitude this week, we’re taking a moment to reflect on some of the best examples of storytelling and strategic communications work we’ve come across this year - stories we’re grateful to have read and learn from. And, we’ve invited some of our favorite communications professionals to share theirs, as well.
I am grateful for people who invest in me with great advice:
When I was leading communications for the University of Nebraska at Omaha, there was a stretch of time when I was not carrying the weight of the job well. I was struggling. On one of those challenging days, I found my way to my dad’s office and plunked into the couch next to his desk. I began to tell him the highlights of all my woes. He listened. I careened from one story to the next. He listened. I was in the middle of reaching the crescendo of another dramatic tale when he interrupted me:
“I know what your problem is,” he said calmly.
“What is it? Please tell me!”
“You’re not having enough fun.”
That was it. I knew it as soon as he diagnosed me. I was taking everything TOO SERIOUSLY. Yes, my work was important. Yes, there was too much to do and yet it had to be done. But I had let seriousness crowd out any chance that the work could also be fun. That’s all it took. I had a mental framework for how to reset, recharge, and re-engage.
That conversation all those years ago has served me well. But Oliver Burkeman’s Meditations for Mortals: Four Weeks to Embrace Your Limitations and Make Time for What Counts is another important framework in which to view our work and how we spend time. He has the code for how to spend time doing exactly what you want to be doing.
The Sun Never Says
Submitted By: Kelly Jefferson Minty
Chief Operating Officer of Clarity Channels Communications
You know those very special teachers who make you feel so valued and seen, especially when you’re at your worst? That was my voice teacher in college, Dr. Bill Shomos.
Upon graduation from his studio, you’re added to a cohort that receives a poem weekly (last I saw, he has about 30+ concurrent lists of students he reaches out to). Since 2011, I’ve opened my inbox every Sunday morning to a new poem. This is one of my favorites, and I have been turning to it for many years now.
“Even after all this time, the sun never says to the earth, ‘You owe me.’ Look what happens with a love like that. It lights the whole sky.” — Hafiz
Everyone knows how busy life can be. Work deadlines, family engagements, time scheduled with friends. Sometimes we can become so overwhelmed we forget just how blessed each and every one of us really is, on so many levels.
My life coach once encouraged me to take a deep breath and start a different kind of list to give myself a few minutes to think about the things I’m thankful for. Gratitude practice can shift our attitude and even make us more kind. Remember that, "The more you practice the art of thankfulness, the more you have to be thankful for." - Norman Vincent Peale
Here’s a little personal story share that I hope inspires you to remember kindness, patience and gratitude.
Ready-to-Print Postcards: Spreading Election Joy
Submitted By: Drew Davies
Founder and Creative Director, Oxide
As someone deeply involved in election design, I’m continually inspired by the dedication of election officials—truly the unsung heroes of our democratic process, especially during the turbulent times of recent elections. This piece from the Center for Civic Design celebrates their efforts with a simple yet impactful way to say thank you: ready-to-print postcards. It’s a heartwarming reminder of how much a small gesture of gratitude can mean to those who work tirelessly behind the scenes to ensure our elections are secure and accurate.
KMTV’s In Your Neighborhood & Positively the Heartland
Submitted By: Kristi Andersen
Vice President at CBRE and Owner of Kristi Andersen Communications
With what seems like a constant barrage of bad news, citizens are looking for positive stories about what’s happening in their communities. Many news outlets and marketers are taking notice, recognizing the importance of balancing out the bad with the good to grow trust and loyalty to brands and the newsmakers themselves.
Local CBS affiliate KMTV is focusing on community storytelling with segments called News In Your Neighborhood and Positively the Heartland. Local reporters are assigned to different parts of the Omaha metro where they report the news happening in those areas.
It’s a great way to broaden overall coverage, inform their viewers about what’s taking place in all parts of our community, and hopefully make someone smile by mixing in more positive content.
At Lozafina Marketing and Public Relations, we partnered with EPIC for Girls to bring their mission to life through authentic representation in their Giving Tuesday campaign. Facing a lack of stock images showcasing girls of color in sports, we organized a citywide photoshoot to capture the joy and determination of young athletes directly benefiting from EPIC's work. These empowering images are now the heart of the "Access. Advocate. Activate." campaign, celebrating their stories and inspiring others to support equity in sports.
The Kindest Thing You Can Do
Submitted By: Miki Kramper
Strategic Communications Consultant, MDK Communications
Remember when someone saw something within you? "The Kindest Thing You Can Do" is written for you and me, our neighbors, friends and colleagues. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.
I’m grateful for family, and especially for my mom. This year, she faced what we feared was a rare form of cancer. Thanks to her persistence and incredible medical care, the tumor was removed, and she is cancer-free. Since then, she’s embraced her health journey with renewed focus, losing 20 pounds and committing to living a fulfilling life. Instead of sharing a book or article, I want to celebrate her resilience and the gratitude I feel for her recovery.
Nebraska Examiner: Celebrity Artist Helps Transform Neighborhood
Submitted By: Dana Osborne
Founder and Owner, Dana Osborne Design
This story beautifully combines everything I’m passionate about—stunning art, meaningful collaborations, and contributing to something bigger within the field of communications and design. As a graphic designer, I often wrestle with the desire to make a greater impact and wonder how my work can truly help others. This article is a powerful reminder of the possibilities: creating something beautiful that directly touches and transforms lives.
I’m grateful for this story as a reminder to slow down as a chronically-online marketer. I discovered this Substack recently and love it for its bold branding, actionable tips, and timely reminder that life happens offline—especially as we venture into the holiday season.
It brought to mind a former client, an influencer, who took a social media break every January. She still managed her business—writing blogs, sending emails—but deleted her apps for 30 days starting December 31st. I was amazed at how she continued to secure revenue-generating partnerships without being constantly online. It’s proof that success as a marketer or entrepreneur doesn’t require being plugged in 24/7.
So, what do you think?
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