As I write this, the season of gratitude and giving is in full swing. While we’ve been overwhelmed with need the past few weeks, we have also been profoundly touched by the way that the community has stepped in to help. I can’t begin to thank everyone enough for their support. It has truly meant the world to us.
That said, I would love our readers to take a moment to let that appreciation in. If you are like me and from a strong German/Irish heritage, it is deeply engrained in me not to accept a thank you or to brush it off, as it can be considered proud. However, we here at The Open Link want you to know how truly grateful we are for you! We don’t see you as being boastful or proud. We see you as the lifeblood of the work being done to help our neighbors in need. What you have done as our sponsors, volunteers, and/or supporters needs to be recognized and appreciated.
Because I think many of us have a hard time letting appreciation in, I went to the Internet for some help. I found a great article entitled 5 Ways to Accept Gratitude Fully by Sarah Newman, MA, MFA, from Psych Central. It has some fantastic tips for accepting gratitude that I hope you find helpful.
So here goes – 5 ways to accept gratitude:
Start with self-appreciation. Don’t discount what you bring to the table. In this case, it is your time, your treasure, and your talent that make the Upper Perk Valley a better place to live. Recognize that your success at business, your valuable time, and your personal talents all positively change the lives of others.
Stop glossing over small gratitude. When someone says thank you, do you immediately default to, “Oh, it’s nothing,” or “Anyone would have done that”? I am here to tell you that NOT anyone would have done what you did, and not anyone would give as you do. The Open Link would not be needed if everyone saw our community’s need and stepped in. You are special, and what you do for us is incredibly special. It may not feel like a big deal to you, but for us and for our neighbors in need, it is huge. Take some time to acknowledge the praise.
Seek validation. What I mean by this is not to seek out awards and accolades, but to know at night, when your head hits the pillow, that you’ve made a difference to someone today. What you’ve done for The Open Link means so many people have benefited from the difference you’ve made. Think of folks like Vanessa, who was helped at the Pantry and with employment counseling, or Ray, who was connected to Meals on Wheels and now receives a hot meal each day. You have made a difference in their lives.
Give validation. Accept the gratitude that is being shared. While reading this, know that I mean you (yes, you!) and take a moment to accept the profound gratitude that we feel for both you and your support. When I say that we could not do our work without you, I mean it. Without the financial support, the “people power,” the food and supply drives, and the compassion supporters like you show this community, our work would not be possible.
- Quiet all the noise and really focus on the deeper meaning. In the article, the author talks about letting the deeper meaning of gratitude in to quiet our own inner critics. While that is helpful too, I am going to go even bigger picture here. The Open Link is truly thankful for you. Think about how your gifts change and mold your community. Generations have been touched by the work that is done at The Open Link and by the community involvement that happens in the Valley. Think of how many families have been fed, how many seniors have received the connections they needed, how many neighbors didn’t get evicted or have their electricity cut off. Most importantly, think of how many of your neighbors are in a better place: hundreds, if not thousands. You did this! You created a community that is whole and cares for each other. Quiet your mental noise, focus on the good, and be grateful for this change and impact.
In this season of gratitude and giving, let me say again a profound thank you to you all for being a partner, sponsor, volunteer, supporter, staff member, and/or a member of our board. We truly couldn’t do it without you. Thank you all, and happy holidays to you all!
