On October 29, I was honored to represent The Newtown Bee on a panel at the Virginia Military Institute, along with former First Selectman Pat Llodra and Monsignor Robert Weiss of St Rose of Lima Catholic Church. The invitation was extended as part of the school’s conference on Leadership and Ethics, focused on the theme of GRIT and the American Character.

GRIT, as defined by this conference, is Growth, Resiliency, Integrity, and Tenacity. The Newtown panel was asked to reflect on community resiliency, responding to questions posed by moderator Colonel David Gray. Every letter of this conference theme resonates with our town. It is important to acknowledge that these are characteristics that have always been apparent in Newtown, and that our citizens do show their GRIT — in their own way, in their own time.

Organizers of the two-day conference focused on presenting programming to the cadets and guests in attendance that emphasized ethical leadership with attention to true character and how overcoming challenges through perseverance and adherence to values can lead to positive growth. They are important lessons for the future leaders of tomorrow — as well as leaders of today.

The panel was well-received, with numerous cadets and others later sharing connections made and an appreciation of the insights offered in just one short hour.

We add one more “G” to the GRIT acronym, though — one that is appropriate as Thanksgiving Day approaches: Gratitude. It is the G word that enhances GRIT.

Studies show that the ability to express gratitude results in happier people, even among those who struggle with diagnosed mental concerns. Even a simple act of writing down, each day, a few positive words expressing thankfulness for the smallest things has great benefits. By shifting attention away from negativity and resentment, feelings of anxiety, sadness, and frustration can be decreased.

Scientific research has shown that acts of gratitude may result in the release of dopamine in the brain, resulting in a sort of “high” that begs repetition. Further research indicates that a healthy and happy brain leads to a healthy body: better sleep, decreased pain, mental alertness.

Expressing and feeling gratitude also fortifies the ability to be resilient in the face of adversity. Resiliency, in turn, makes it possible to function with integrity and tenacity.

We are a town that has been the recipient of worldwide acts of kindness. We learned, in the aftermath of the terrible tragedy of 12/14, to be gracious in accepting those actions. We learned the value in paying forward kindnesses.

We are a resilient community. We are because of the great ability of each mind and body in our town to take in and give back goodness, even when evil spreads a shadow across our town.

Gratitude benefits the individual. Gratitude also benefits a community. We are Grateful. We Grow. We are Resilient. We have Integrity in how we honor others. We have Tenacity, persevering through trials and errors. We are thankful for our true GGRIT.