Words by Smiley Team
The power of gratitude is no simple act – but it’s something that has the ability to transform people’s lives. From nonprofits to Fortune 500 companies, many embrace a culture of gratefulness to help them build on their mission.
But why is it so powerful – and how can it benefit nonprofits looking to better serve people and the planet?
Take Danielle Munley, a staff member of The Art Resource Center, for example. The charitable organization aims to re-use waste, contributing to a circular economy, by using it as art materials for creative minds.
Gratitude is a huge part of Danielle’s journey and the mission of her organization. “I feel that appreciation is a skill that can be learned,” she tells Smiley News. “Many of us have never learned to be grateful since we aren't taught it.
“There is a tendency in our society to focus on the accumulation of more — money, love, recognition, etc. 'More' is a drug that we can't resist. Getting and maintaining more things is what we believe makes us happy. It is clear to me that I am more appreciative than I used to be, and that is because I have put in the time and effort to make that transition.”
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Gratitude is also the basis of platform-based nonprofit, Gratitude Events. It helps other nonprofits in the greater Denver area with access to grants, community exposure, educational opportunities, access to volunteers, and opportunities to partner in their events.
The inspiration for Gratitude Events began in 2005 after the family immigrated to the US from Uganda seeking political asylum. “As refugees, not knowing anything about the United States, we were referred to a nonprofit in Dallas, TX to help us get settled,” they say. “This nonprofit helped our family in every way you can imagine, from providing food throughout the first year, to helping us enroll in schools and find jobs.”
It was this gratitude that led them to form their own nonprofit, with the goal of building a community of volunteers, nonprofits, and businesses.
To be grateful is to realize just how much you have to be thankful for – and while it’s helpful for nonprofits, it’s also beneficial for everyone. Spreading gratitude boosts wellbeing for people all around.
Rather than focusing on the fortunate or those who seem to be able to get by with little trouble, it's important to recognize those who face more challenges and have fewer resources to call upon for assistance.
[Also read: The man on a mission to share gratitude]
Many have found that writing a gratitude letter is beneficial for mental health and helps with their overall mood.
Here are 5 simple ways to help you to have the power of gratitude:
1. Make a decision — Be ready and tenacious.
2. Keep track of what you're grateful for, express your thanks publicly, and keep a gratitude journal.
3. Our best course of action is to focus on the positives, such as our blessings and the disasters we've avoided.
4. Be thankful for the way things turned out in the past when you reflect on your struggles.
5. Consider yourself in the position of— Finally, if you're not feeling grateful, just pretend you are, and you'll start reaping the benefits of gratitude.
DONATE: to Gratitude Events, so they can continue supporting nonprofits.
VOLUNTEER: Volunteer with Operation Gratitude, the nationwide nonprofit providing Americans with opportunities to honor military veterans.
WATCH: How to train yourself to be happy.
