9 Things We're Thankful for this Thanksgiving
Written By Cristina Villalón
ABOUT THE AUTHOR | Cristina Villalón is the Co-Founder and Lead Designer at Álvarez-Díaz & Villalón. She directs both the Interior Design and Visual Merchandising divisions while overseeing all decisions made on a day-to-day basis at the firm.
2022 HAS BEEN A PECULIAR YEAR FULL OF HOPE AND POTENTIAL AS WE MOVE TOWARD A POST-PANDEMIC ERA.
This year has given us the luxury of freedom as we strive to return to our “normal” lives while we continue to face the challenges of a global pandemic, civil unrest, and natural disasters. Although 2022 has been no exception to many adversities, it has also given us the opportunity to learn and focus on the positive.
On this Thanksgiving holiday, we pause, reflect, and GIVE THANKS for these nine things that fill us with hope and gratitude:
1. GOOD HEALTH
We give thanks that our team, our family, and our loved ones are healthy and well. The pandemic has given us perspective and has forced a shift in the value of our health and our life. Each new day is a gift, an opportunity to take care of our body and soul as we live life to its full possibility.
2. FRIENDS & FAMILY
We feel joyful that this year gave us the opportunity to spend time with friends and family members that we were not able to see as frequently since COVID started. We are grateful for the opportunities to travel and reunite with our loved ones who live far away.
3. FRONTLINE WORKERS
Our frontline and essential workers continue to be the heroes of the year. We’re incredibly thankful to all the first responders and workers of the healthcare, education, safety, transportation, food, and supply chain industries, and every essential worker for their continuous service and commitment to helping and serving our communities. We appreciate your hard work to keep our society and economy moving!
4. THE RETURN OF IN-PERSON EVENTS
We are glad for the return to in-person events and activities. Even though technology made it possible to connect and attend virtual events while social distancing, we all missed the human touch of in-person events and the opportunity of being totally present to enjoy new experiences. This year we had a great time attending in-person events, concerts, office happy hours, special celebrations, and other activities that could not have been held in person during these past years.
5. OUR GROWING AD&V TEAM
Through 2022 we have continued to attract and retain top talent to support our firm’s growth. We have intentionally promoted and hired women in our commitment to promote women for management positions in the architecture and design industry. We appreciate all the hard work the entire AD&V Team puts in every day. It’s been incredible to be part of the journey of our team’s growth!
6. M&M
Speaking of new team members, we’re super thankful for our new Chief Happiness Officer, M&M! M&M, or Emi as we call her, has been a true blessing to our team. Each day Emi brings joy and emotional support to every AD&V Team member. She loves to play, helps us with our projects, and spends time with everyone at the office. We thank Emi for always bringing extra love and happiness to our lives.
7. ADDED OFFICE SPACE
In 2022 we increased the space of our office headquarters to better accommodate our growing team and offer multiple safe spaces where we can collaborate and work efficiently. Our AD&V Headquarters gives functional workspaces that provide dynamic environments where everyone can easily interact, refuel, and thrive.
8. A REGAINED SENSE OF NORMALCY
Thanks to increased vaccinations, we have embraced the new “normal”. Relaxed restrictions and changes in behavior from when the pandemic started have allowed the widespread restart of travel, parties, and concerts while still taking precautions.
9. LOOKING OUT FOR EACH OTHER
In 2022, we continue to be inspired to look after each other and develop deeper interpersonal connections. Even though Hurricane Fiona devastated Puerto Rico causing historic flooding and widespread power outages, people came together in solidarity and support of those affected.
As we look forward to what 2023 will bring, we are grateful for the opportunities offered by 2022: being intentional in our actions, spending time with our loved ones, growth, regaining a new sense of normalcy, being present, looking out for each other, and giving thanks for what we have.
Share with your loved ones what you’re thankful for this year over your Thanksgiving meal.
All of us at AD&V wish you a happy and blessed Thanksgiving Day!