3 Practices to Help Your Organization Embrace Abundance and Express Gratitude
“Autumn is the mellower season, and what we lose in flowers we more than gain in fruits.” ~ Samuel Butler
As the season changes and as the days grow darker and the nights cooler, we feel a sense of loss. A sense of loss over what was. We grieve over what was during the rebirth of Spring and the warmth of Summer.
But what if, instead of focusing on the fear and loss, we celebrate today’s abundance. The abundance of the harvest. The abundance of brilliant color in nature. The abundance in our lives. And the abundance in our organizations.
During this time of year, we look beyond the abundance in our organizations and scramble to raise more so we can do more.
But, what if, while we are scrambling to raise more, we also embrace what we already have and express more gratitude for our abundance?
Here are three practices to include in your year-end scramble.
- Acknowledge the good coming from your organization right now. Eckhart Tolle, spiritual teacher and author tells us that “Acknowledging the good you already have in your life is the foundation for all abundance.” At least weekly, share with your staff, the stories of abundance; the good that occurred in the life of those you serve, because of the generosity of others. End the story with, “and for this we are grateful”. Sharing these stories can instill a foundation of abundance and gratitude in your organization. And it will most certainly spill over to your constituents and supporters.
- Express gratitude often and with sincerity. “When you are grateful, fear disappears, and abundance appears.” These important words shared by Anthony Robbins, author, speaker and philanthropist should guide our organizations. Include sincere gratitude in all donor communications, because without them, there is no abundance and we can do no good. Don’t just use the words “thank you”, but also show your gratitude for their part in making the world a better, safer, smarter, healthier, more loving place. Every “ask” you make should be preceded with that sincere expression of gratitude. When our donors feel the gratitude, the abundance appears.
- What you receive is enough. Be grateful. Oprah Winfrey tells us that we should “Be thankful for what you have” because “you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never ever have enough.” This time of year, there is so much pressure to do better, to do more and raise more. Enough is never enough. Abundance is not just about having more. It’s about having enough. Enough to make a difference. So be grateful. Grateful for what you received. Grateful for those who were able to give this year and grateful for those who couldn’t give this year. Invest your time and energy celebrating your abundance and you’ll always have enough.
So, enjoy the splendor of Fall and all its colorful glory. This is truly The Season of Abundance and Gratitude. Slow down and celebrate your abundance. And may your gratitude fly like the brightly colored leaves on a cool crisp autumn day.
Contact This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. today to start your journey toward Abundance and Gratitude.
