November is for Gratitude

This time of year is perfect for thanks and gratitude, but it often gets overshadowed by our busy schedules and self-interests. It’s always a great practice to stop, breathe, and find something you are grateful for. Compliments don’t seem to flow as easily as complaints, but reflecting on November, gives us the opportunity to turn this around. How many of us take the time to reach out to a company and offer them an accolade?

A few years ago, I made it a goal to choose five companies whose products or services I truly enjoyed and tell them exactly what I thought. I realized that I don’t rely on reviews because they are often emotional, biased, and untrustworthy. Plus, the negative reviews always seem to outweigh the positive ones. I even find myself judging the negativity in those reviews, wondering what kind of bad day the writer had to create such a vicious critique.

Reviews are often the lifeblood of businesses—they’re a first impression that can make or break a company’s success. And they linger long after the customer’s experience, serving as a lasting record of the business. Because reviews are so influential, I think it’s important to prioritize positive feedback, especially for small businesses instead of global chains.

After writing my five reviews, I was surprised at the joy it brought me. I felt so happy I half-expected the Kool-Aid Man to burst through the wall to congratulate me! Plus, who doesn’t love the chance of getting coupons or free products for writing a glowing review?

I encourage everyone to try this exercise. Pick a restaurant or two you love, a product you use every day (and can’t imagine living without), a podcast you never miss (how about The Great Dance Debate?), a favorite piece of clothing (Apolla Shocks, anyone?), or a service you recently received that went above and beyond. Take the time to tell those businesses how great they are. Authentic support can make all the difference.

Everyone loves compliments, it’s why I got into showbiz in the first place (for the applause!). We all get stuck in the day-to-day grind, and sometimes a little jolt of positivity is exactly what we need. Writing those reviews will give you that jolt. You’ll feel so good, you’ll want to share the experience, and those positive vibes will ripple outward like a contagious, good virus.

The world can be hard, a struggle, or even a slow slog. Moments of pure joy are fleeting, so grab them (or create them!) whenever you can. We’re often told to take the time to tell someone we love them or reconnect with someone we’ve lost touch with. It’s hard, it’s vulnerable, but it’s so necessary. Good deeds spread the positivity our world desperately needs.

Now, get to work! Write down five businesses you love and share your gratitude. Make it an annual practice—or even a monthly one! The businesses will feel good, you’ll feel good, and the world will feel like a happier place to be.

Chris Suchan

Executive Director

Platinum National Dance Competition

Instagram-@suchanchris, @danceplatinumco

TikTok-@danceplatinumco0

Podcast – The Great Dance Debate