The Power of Gratitude
For those who regularly participate in charity events, gratitude is a familiar thing. Yes, it may be overlooked from time to time, but what drives our desire to help others can often be summarized as gratitude.
Perhaps you’ve lost a loved one and support a related charity because you are grateful for each moment of your life that was blessed by that special person. There may be someone you care about suffering and your gratitude for their presence results in your donation to make a cure one step closer. Maybe you’re like me, you participate and donate because you can. I’m grateful for my ability to move, my health and the best thing I can think to do with this blessing is to help others through participating in and helping plan events.
At this point in my life I am healthy and I have all the necessary resources to live a comfortable life. What better way to use those gifts in my life than to do my best to help others not so fortunate through organizations that raise funds and awareness for a special cause. I realize that there isn’t much that separates me from the ones I’m trying to help – a paycheck, natural disaster or a diagnosis. Maybe you feel the same way.
Psychology research tells us that the expression of gratitude is linked to happiness. Physical activity benefits our mental health improving mood and relieving stress. Physical activity as a result of gratitude can be a powerful thing for the improvement of our overall well-being.
But enough about the personal benefit. The actions you take to raise funds for, donate to, train for and complete charity events helps many. Charity fitness events have always been such an inspiring thing for me. They differ from simply writing a check or holding an auction. They take hard work and training, they take the commitment of long hours to gather donations, and they improve health and inspire others to get fit. The people who participate in these events are passionate and dedicated. You won’t find a more beautiful bunch of human beings.
So when you are struggling through that last mile or just inches away from the finish line wondering where the energy for that last stride, pedal or stroke is going to come from remember gratitude. There is someone out there who is forever grateful to you and your hard work.
Happy Thanksgiving!
Photo by Chance Agrella courtesy of Free Range Stock
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