(This could really be for anyone, but since I’m a designer, so some of it’s going to be very designers-specific thoughts.)

1. I’m still getting paid, on time, each month, without fail. Seems like such a low bar but it’s not something to take for granted. A lot of businesses are struggling in this pandemic, so I’m grateful to still be paid to draw stuff.
2. I’m solving problems. There are no small problems. One man’s meat is another man’s poison. Every problem is solve is making somebody’s life better. I’m grateful to have the opportunity to contribute.
3. I’m designing things that people are using. This probably never ceases to amaze me. There are people out there willing to use what I’ve designed, sometimes for important things — like managing their business and money. I’m immensely grateful for their trust, faith and belief in the product / design and me.
4. I get to ask dumb questions every day. And not have (too many) people tell me how dumb I am. I’m grateful for all the people who’ve been patiently explaining the world to me and giving me the opportunity to learn from you.
5. People listen to the dumb ideas I have every day without immediately dismissing them or laughing them off. Because they’re really mostly insane. I’m grateful for all the people who sit through meetings listening to them patiently and help make my ideas better. I’m grateful for every “Yes and…” (we all know those times when it feels impossible.)
6. My opinions have some weight. As designers, we fought hard to have a seat at the table. I’m eternally grateful for those who’ve come before me and fought to get us to where we are. The fight will continue, but I’m grateful for all the groundwork laid before and will not squander this hard-fought opportunity.
7. I have the space, time and opportunity to help others designers and give back to the community. I’m grateful to have the ability to help junior designers further their design careers, forge a path and get where they want to be. Being able to give back to the community is a privilege.
8. I have the space to fail (without severe repercussions). This is an important one for me. Failure is difficult, but making mistakes is inevitable. We can’t learn without a little stumble here and there. I’m grateful that I get paid to learn, to make mistakes and try new things. It is not every day that you find a company with the risk-tolerance for experiments and failure. If they let you, count your blessings. They value progress more than they value their shareholders. That’s a keeper.

Didn’t make it to ten, but I also didn’t want to be repetitive.

Hope this was helpful for anyone having a hard day at work. Just a little something to remember what’s important. What’s on your list?