I’ve kept a quiet habit for years: an “ABC Blessings” list. Wherever we are—on the road, at a client site, or back home—I write down positive experiences from A to Z. It keeps my eyes on people and the small mercies that help us all get home safe.
On a recent Phoenix trip, my list sounded like this: Ahmed, the taxi driver who looked out for us; “Baby Girl” on a yellow bracelet—someone’s unborn “why” to work safe; Laci at the gate who went the extra mile; Reza (and Renee) who made sure Russ arrived safely and the van was ready; Yellow bracelets that reminded folks why safety matters; even a simple Water bottle handed over with care.
Why does this belong in a safety newsletter? Because gratitude isn’t fluff—it’s attention training. When we practice noticing what’s right, we show up more present for what could go wrong. That presence changes behavior:
- We slow down enough to catch the loose guard or missing tag.
- We speak up sooner because the culture feels human, not hostile.
- We receive and offer help without pride getting in the way.
- We remember our why—the baby not yet born, the family waiting at home—and make the safer choice.
Here’s a simple way to bring it to the jobsite this week:
Try “ABC” at the tailgate.
- A — Appreciate one specific action a teammate did that kept someone safe yesterday.
- B — Behavior to repeat today (e.g., “buddy checks before tie-off”).
- C — Call out one hazard we caught because someone spoke up.
You might only make it to C before the work starts and the day pulls you in—but three letters are enough to reset attention and remind us why we care.
Takeaway
Hard hats and checklists matter. But a culture that notices people—their effort, kindness, and courage—keeps us looking out for each other. Make space for one minute of ABC Blessings in your next huddle. It’s a small habit that turns safety from a rule to a relationship—and from the head to the heart.
Want to bring safety from the head to the heart in your team?
