Tag: gratitude

Choose to be Happy

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Happiness isn’t so easily achieved. There seems to be some people who are always happy but I assure you- there are times they aren’t. The difference is how long they allow themselves to be unhappy. I remember hearing a quote once – although I couldn’t locate it to cite the source –  it’s ok to be in a space of unhappiness – just don’t build a condo there.

There are so many factors that can contribute to an individual becoming unhappy and no one is immune from them. We will all experience at one time in our lives the loss of a loved one, the ending of a love relationship, a career failure, a personal illness, or experiencing or witnessing events that do not align with our values. Any of these circumstances can lead to unhappiness but it’s how long we allow ourselves to feel that discontent.

Don’t get me wrong – I believe it’s important to feel our emotions. If you do not acknowledge your feelings – you are setting yourself up for serious consequences later on. But there has to be a balance. Allow yourself to feel the unhappiness then move on. Focus on something positive – something you are grateful for.

At the very beginning – there were 2 choices of ice cream – either vanilla or chocolate. It was one or the other. It’s the same with being unhappy. You have 2 choices – choose to dwell in unhappiness or choose to acknowledge the feeling and move on. For every second that you are unhappy – you are missing a second of happiness.

Hopefully our days will be filled with many more moments of happiness than unhappiness.

That’s what we do for our donors when we align their dreams with the needs of an organization and then keep reporting to them what they made possible. It’s called the joy of giving for a reason.  Help your donors choose happiness.

Practice Grace

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I listened to a podcast recently that one of the participants defined grace, as “not saying what you shouldn’t say”.  She expressed that grace is to recognize when you are about to say something hurtful – and you don’t say it.

Oh my goodness! There are so many times I could have used grace in that way. Instead, I let my emotions take over and the words blurted out. As soon as the words came out – I regretted it, but it was too late.

I now try to make a conscious effort to pause before saying something that I know may be hurtful. I may think it – but I won’t say it. There are still times I fail. It takes practice.

I also think that grace is saying things you should say.  In particular, to express the thoughts and feelings related to compassion and empathy.

I love you.

I understand what you are going through.

How can I help you?

I know you are doing the best that you can.

I am so grateful.

I’m sorry.

The more we exercise our grace by verbally expressing our personal compassion and empathy, the more intuitive we will be with our donors. Not everyone can easily express his or her thoughts and emotions. Sometimes they need help. But we can’t help others, until we master it ourselves.

Make a conscious effort every day to practice grace – both by not saying what is hurtful and, by verbally expressing your compassion and your empathy.  You’ll find that it eases your mind and spirit and nurtures your intuition to recognize grace in others.

Let me know how it goes!

Donors Want To Be Acknowledged

Image result for see something say something posters

See something – say something.

Because of the world we live in, it is common to see these words in many public places. There are signs posted at bus stops, sports arenas, shopping malls, concert venues, subway stations, and other areas where large groups of people may gather.

When we read the words – there is a negative connotation associated with them. We think of duffle bags that may contain harmful items, social media posts that spew hatred and violence, and individuals who exhibit intent to harm others.

There is a lot of unrest in our world – a lot of negativity. Human beings are responsible and human beings can turn it around.

We just need to change our perspective.

See something – say something.

When you see that someone accomplished something great – say something.

When you see that someone stepped out of his or her comfort zone – say something.

When you see that someone has a smile on his or her face – say something.

When you see that someone has helped another individual – say something.

When you see that someone made an extra effort – say something.

All people want, is to be acknowledged.

Unfortunately, because we don’t consciously acknowledge and reinforce what is good, some individuals resort to bad behavior – just to be acknowledged.

Donors are doing wonderful things and want to be acknowledged.

They are accomplishing something great – helping another individual – making an extra effort.

Say something.

Power of Two Words

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Thank you. I have been waiting to hear these two words from someone who has only expressed discontent for a situation I was desperately trying to resolve. All the angst and frustration that I have allowed myself to experience dissipated with just two words – thank you. I finally felt some sense of appreciation and recognition for the efforts I have been putting forth and felt the power of words.

I began to think of the importance of thanking our donors. They want to know that they are appreciated. They are not just an ATM but are human beings who want to help solve a problem. They take time out of their lives to learn about our organizations and our missions and contemplate where they might best fit in. It is more than just writing a check and we need to express our gratitude and respect their efforts in deciding to make an investment with us. Say thank you but say it authentically. Express that you understand that they put thought and effort into making their gift. You recognize their efforts and they are appreciated. Thank you.

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