You can spread a little gratitude and feel happier

If you’re a fundraiser, part of your calling is spreading gratitude.

Does this sound like a familiar exchange?

Thank you!”

“No, thank YOU!”

Saying thank you is an expected part of our social discourse. It smooths the way for simple – and more complex – conversations. Someone holds the door for you, and you say “Thanks.”

It’s civilization at work.

And while some thanks can seem rote, what happens when you begin paying attention to them? Offering them with intention, with heart?

Last week, I introduced you to Lisa Sargent’s wonderful book, Thankology. And after reading it, I’m still thinking about gratitude and how we show and share it.

Think back to that simple exchange. When that’s happened, how did you feel? When someone thanks you or returns your – perhaps habitual – thanks, suddenly the whole conversation is a little different, isn’t it?

Spreading gratitude is good for us

You’ve surely seen a study or two, encouraging you to take time to feel grateful for the people you care about, or all that makes your life full. A quick search will turn up pages and pages.

I’ll admit it can start sounding a bit much. (I write all day, do I really want to journal?)

But that good feeling you get when you feel grateful and thank someone… that’s backed up by science. And it makes sense that we’re built to feel good when we do something that strengthens relationships or even society. We make it together as a species, or we wouldn’t have survived this long.

This week, we in the US will celebrate Thanksgiving. Has it become about a meal? Yes. But it’s also a time when families and friends try to be together. (My kids will be home, and I can’t wait to get my arms around them!)

But it’s a more meaningful day if we take the time… even a few moments… to reflect on our thanks. Some families have made that part of the day. My family is usually too busy enjoying each other’s company and laughing. But that works, too.

And while I realize that not all family gatherings are happy… or possible… just making some time to think about what makes your life happier is good.

But has saying thank you to your supporters become a task… even a chore?

So we know feeling grateful is good – for the person being thanked, for the person thanking and for society. But has thanking your donors become just another step in getting work done?

Let me suggest you reflect on that, too. Giving it just a little more thought, and allowing yourself to feel just a little more connected to the kind people who support the cause you care about, can change both how you feel and how they feel.

Can you see a person in your mind as you put together that thank you letter? Can you imagine their reaction? When I get an acknowledgment, whether in my mail or email, there are two reactions:

1. File it for the taxes.
2. Oh… wow. That’s really nice. (heart swells just a bit)

Which organization is going to feel closer to my heart?

Spend 5 minutes to put yourself in your donors’ shoes. Show some real gratitude and genuine feelings.

And you’ll both feel better.