I arrived into this new year without “my word,” but as I reflect I’ve discovered I actually have two words: “overwhelming gratitude”. As I have started my 4th year living in Italy while maintaining my consulting practice (www.rootedlife.info), in the hustle and bustle of daily life, it’s easy to overlook the profound gratitude I feel for my clients and to God for this amazing journey. I want to take a moment to express my heartfelt appreciation.
Thankfulness goes beyond mere words; it is a sentiment that shapes the way I approach my work. The trust my clients have placed in me not only fuels my passion, but also inspires me to continually grow and innovate with them. I am inspired by their work for justice in the community! Every project we undertake together, every conversation we have, every prayer we pray is a testament to the collaboration, creativity, and shared goals we nurture and provides a picture of God and His faithfulness.
I am grateful for the unique stories my clients share. Each interaction, whether it's a simple inquiry or a complex project, enriches my experience and broadens my perspective. My client feedback and insights continue to help me grow.
Thank you for being an integral part of my professional journey. I am inspired by you and look forward to continuing this partnership. Together, we can accomplish remarkable things! Maybe next year I will have 1 inspirational word for moving forward, but for now, I am looking back with overwhelming gratitude.
Erin Donovan
My gratitude is extended to my clients for 2024:
ABC Baltimore (board development and governance work, board retreat)
Baltimore County Arts Guild (resource development plan, corporate sponsorship program)
Maryland 211/Maryland Information Network (CEO Coaching, Grant Readiness and Grant Writing)
Maryland Nonprofits
Marlboro Pike Partnership Community Development Corporation (board development and governance work)
Metamorphosis (Grant Readiness and Grant Writing)
Restorative Response Baltimore (Succession Planning, Transition Implementation, and Hiring of new CEO)
RevFresh (CEO Coaching, grant readiness and applications)
Servants for Humanity (Mission, Vision, and Values Revisions, Board Governance Work)
Standards for Excellence Institute (15 educational resource packets for nonprofit leaders)
US Gospel Foundation (Mission, Vision, and Values Revisions)
Extra: For my fellow faith travelers, yesterday I started a 14-day social media fast (FB and Insta) and time of prayer for 2025 with my church. Although I wrote this post above last week, today’s reflection was on gratitude so I thought I would include a short note here. If you are looking to dig in a bit more, Psalm 103 provides a beautiful picture with a full spectrum of emotions, (including gratitude) which is where I find myself today. The first 5 verses reflect gratitude for what God has done in the author’s life…When arriving though at verse 6, we are reminded that the Lord works righteousness and justice for the oppressed. I can praise God for what he has done, AND I am reminded that God is still at work for ALL the oppressed…God is still at work, and I can be a part of this continued work. I needed to hear that today more than ever. I also found encouragement in this song by Ordinary Time. Feel free to drop in any reflections on gratitude below.