As she breathes in the rich aroma of pumpkin spice cake, Brandee Mack's soul refuels. Instantly transported back to her childhood home and a sea of familiar faces, everything feels right again. It’s hard to believe that this woman standing alone in her Olathe, Kansas kitchen is the same one that holds these memories. Like someone else’s novel, it all feels a bit foreign, almost like a dream. But as sure as tomorrow’s sunrise, that was her chapter one.

Born into a big family in Houston, Texas, Brandee was always surrounded by love. The daughter of a pastor and a caterer, community was everything and her parents were the heart of it all.

Brandee's full story can be read on Workplace.

After 29 years of serving and protecting Olathe families, Major Jeffrey Bragg has seen it all. Empathetic to the stress of engaging with members of the public who are often at their worst, he’s there, through thick and thin, lending his talents, passion and a constant ear to any colleague in need.

Inspired by Wellness Coordinator Jana Goolsby’s gratitude campaign last fall, Major Bragg decided to take it a step further. Over 200 journals were distributed throughout the Olathe Police Department, directly by supervisors, who invited all to be part of a challenge.

Each day they were encouraged to write in their journal, and throughout various ones, stickers would appear on a page, earning them a surprise. And while the physical routine of writing was a healthy habit to build, Major Bragg had a bigger goal in mind.

Their full story can be read on Workplace.

For Assistant City Clerk Eric Strimple, a life of service is simply life. Born into a family that’s deeply committed to helping others, he considers philanthropy part of his DNA.

Eric was selected this past spring to serve Lions Club International as a regional leader, a prestigious position that oversees the leadership development, membership growth and impact of over 20,000 Lions in Iowa, Kansas, Missouri and Arkansas. Like a second job, it entails tremendous dedication to their philanthropic mission, which includes serving the environment, those living with diabetes, childhood cancer, hunger and limited vision.

Eric's full story can be read on Workplace.

Like anything, the more we practice gratitude, the more natural it will become! Leverage your LiveWell journal by incorporating it into your daily routine.

These classes inside Olathe University also shed light on the value and practice of gratitude:

• Raising Resiliency: The Power of Gratitude
• How Gratitude Rewires Your Brain
• Small Acts of Kindness: Nourish Your Team
• Practicing Gratitude