There’s a lot going on in the world right now. Between the news, the community, and our personal lives, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed, stressed, or discouraged. In those moments, our automatic reactions don’t always point us in the healthiest direction.

At Daily Work, we believe the antidote isn’t forced positivity, but rather being intentional about noticing what’s going well and paying attention to what you need. This practice grounds us, keeps us connected, and helps us recognize strengths in ourselves and in others. It’s also at the heart of how our staff and interns walk alongside job seekers every day.

We live this out is by checking in and connecting. Weekly group supervision, individual check-ins, and team huddles give staff and interns the space to reflect together, share challenges, and celebrate progress. These connections remind us that noticing one another’s strengths lifts us all. When we recognize the positives in others, we create the kind of encouragement that makes everyone stronger.

We also make space for gratitude. Progress often comes in small steps: a completed job application, showing up for an interview, mastering a new digital skill. By noticing and celebrating these milestones, we shift focus from what’s missing to what’s moving forward.

Another part of being intentional is reframing challenges. Instead of centering only on barriers like transportation or digital access, we highlight persistence, strategies, and possibilities. This strengths-based approach helps people see not just what’s in the way, but what’s already working in their favor.

And finally, we focus on maintaining balance, noticing what our bodies and minds need in order to keep going. Just as we encourage job seekers to rest, eat well, and find moments of renewal, we remind ourselves as staff and interns to do the same. When we are grounded and attentive to our own needs, we can show up fully for others.

Being intentional about what’s going well doesn’t mean ignoring hardships. It means making a conscious choice to notice progress, honor strengths, and invest in connection. At Daily Work, this practice isn’t just for ourselves... it’s something we do with and for each other. When we notice and lift up the strengths in others, we rise together, creating resilience, confidence, and lasting change in our community.