Thank You for the Past Year
As we approach the holiday season and the end of the year draws near, we wanted to stop and reflect on 2021 and all of the memories we have to be thankful for. In Estrella, we are fortunate to live in an expansive community filled with 40 community and neighborhood parks, 72 acres of lakes, and 50+ miles of walking, hiking, and biking paths and trails. However, these features wouldn’t feel the same without the family and friends that make up this community that we call home.
It warms our hearts to see Estrella residents come together to make cherished memories splashing around at the splash pad, setting sail at the Yacht Club, and teeing up at the Golf Club of Estrella. While these amenities are great to leverage together, we also take pride in the meaning behind “connected community” as Estrella residents continue to foster this every single day. We’re thankful for neighbors always helping each other and lending a helping hand whether it’s for watching the kids next door, bringing meals over in hard times, or simply watering each other’s plants while you’re out of town. How fortunate are we that we live in a community like this?
As we look back at all of these fond experiences and bonds created, we wanted to take a moment to thank you for the past year and for making Estrella your home. If you are feeling thankful and want to give back, we’ve rounded up a few ideas for ways you can express your gratitude this holiday season, as well as year round:
Hand-Written Cards
Nothing says “thank you” like a hand-written card! If there is someone in your life that you are feeling extra grateful for, you should let them know. A personalized and thoughtful card (delivered by hand or via mail) shows an individual how much you appreciate them and the impact that they have on your life. It’s a small gesture that will be sure to make them smile!
Practice an Act of Kindness
Have you ever had a rotten day but then a random stranger practiced an act of kindness that reminded you of all the things you have to be thankful for? Random acts of kindness tend to have this effect on people, so why not pay it forward and be that stranger that pays for someone’s coffee at Cafe Bebida or offers up a seat on a crowded bus? These actions, no matter how small, can make a positive impact on an individual’s day.
Volunteer
If you feel like giving back to your community, there are plenty of ways to help others in need this holiday season, as well as throughout the year. If you don’t know where to start or need some ideas, check out VolunteerMatch to search by city or zip code to find opportunities near you. From food drives to park clean ups, there is something for everyone! We created a list covering some different ways residents can volunteer in Goodyear, check it out!
Write Down Your Blessings
If you need a reminder of all of the things to be thankful for this holiday season, you can create a blessings journal to further increase your gratitude. The items on this list can be big or small, ranging from a compliment you received at work, the clothes you have on your back, the family and friends in your life, and more. Utilizing this as a daily practice is also a great way to relax and destress after a long day.
Give Back to Those in Need
If you are looking for additional ways to show your gratitude at the end of the year, giving back is a great way to lend a helping hand to those in need in your community. There are a number of food, clothing, and home goods drives that occur year round and the need for these items increases significantly during the holiday season. To find nonprofits in the area that are in need of donations, check out this round up of 20 places to donate used goods in Phoenix. There are also many volunteer opportunities in Goodyear. Read more about them here.
