Follow the journey of "The Roaming Reflections of Gratitude Journal" as it traverses seven states, inspiring heartfelt reflections, strengthening bonds and creating community for one dispersed Mayo Clinic team.

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In a world where distance often defines how people interact, Mayo's Referring Provider Office team has proven that physical separation is no barrier to creating a close-knit community.

As a remote department spread across 17 cities in seven states, the team longed to find a way to stay connected and engaged. Enter the "Roaming Reflections of Gratitude Journal," which was the brainchild of the department's Well-Being Team.

The initiative revolved around a small paper journal, which was mailed by the U.S. Postal Service from team member to team member, inviting everyone to pen heartfelt reflections on what gratitude meant to them. Over the course of a year, the traveling journal turned into a tapestry of meaningful thoughts and emotions.

"We encouraged our team members to send the journal outside of their immediate region," says Tam Bush, who is part of the department's Well-Being team. "In the envelope with the journal were pre-printed address labels, allowing each staff member to choose whom they wanted to send it to next, inspired by the spirit of 'The Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants.'"

Departing in Michigan in July 2023, the journal traveled through 17 cities in Arizona, Florida, Iowa, Missouri and Wisconsin before concluding its journey in Minnesota in May.

Thoughtful reflections

Over time, the journal slowly filled with staff members' thoughtful reflections on what gratitude means to them.

• "I am thankful for the childhood I had and wonderful parents. I miss them every day," wrote Jeff Underwood.
• "I am grateful for the special season my husband and I are in as we await the arrival of our first child," wrote Chloe Sirmon.
• "I recently moved, and I am so glad it went smoothly. We had to endure extreme heat. It was the hottest day of the year in Kansas City," wrote Kathryn Bonnette.

Many also reflected on the blessings they receive through family members.

• "What a true joy it has been to watch my boys grow and spread their wings," wrote Sarah Myren.
• "I am thankful for my amazing wife and son. They are my daily motivation," wrote Logan Chipperfield.

Amid appreciation for nature, the changing seasons, quiet mornings, books, yoga, football, walking, coffee, Netflix and many other things, the journal also included plentiful praise for co-workers.

• "My team is beyond loving and caring. Our leaders are invested and engaged," wrote Patty Jarmuz.
• "Thank you, RPO team, for being so fabulous — as individuals and as a team — and for allowing me to be part of this great work family," wrote Dawn Davis, M.D., who is the medical director in the Referring Provider Office.
• "I'm so fortunate that I’ve gotten to work and learn from all of you. You are great people," wrote Heather Tietz.
• "I'm grateful for amazing colleagues who push me, cheer for me and laugh with me," wrote Angie Puffer.

Once the journal completed its journey, Jarmuz created a digital version by copying the pages, allowing team members to leaf through them as a keepsake.

The team agreed to share portions of the journal with News Center readers. Click on the journal cover below to flip through pages of the digital journal:

"Everyone was so encouraged and blessed by all the comments, and it brought so much joy to everyone," says Bush.

Embracing well-being

The Referring Provider Office team has a long history of embracing well-being initiatives spearheaded by Bush, Jarmuz, Marilyn Sommerfeldt and Christoper Vail.

"We have been together for a few years, and we meet once a month to share ideas on ways we can promote connections for each member of our team," says Vail.

With traditional get-togethers — like office potlucks or in-person team-building activities — out of the question, the team has embraced its exclusively remote status.

"We have supportive and enthusiastic leaders, technology and great people on our team," Jarmuz says.

The traveling gratitude journal was the result of a combination of ideas team members contributed: One with the idea to start a journal, another to use mail instead of online options, another to incorporate gratitude, and another to put the supplies and instructions together.

The drive to collaborate isn't just apparent on the department's Well-Being Team. It forms the basis of the department's success.

"We complement each other, we cheer for each other, and we are just there for each other when needed," Sommerfeldt says.