For Sheltering Wings’ 18th anniversary on Jan. 12, we invite you to #PayItForward
What do Jesus, Benjamin Franklin, ancient Athenians, Ralph Waldo Emerson, The Incredible Hulk and Sheltering Wings all have in common?
They paid it forward!
Scientific studies continually show that gratefulness is key to happiness, well-being, even the survival of our society. And we see plenty of proof right here at Sheltering Wings.
Take staff member Lori. She hasn’t always worked here. She first came to the shelter to teach a class about finances. As she spoke, she noticed a woman sitting alone in the back, forehead resting on her folded hands. Her name was Ramona. Lori tried talking to her, but the soft, one-word answers discouraged conversation.
Two years later, Lori was back at the shelter – this time as the victim of an abusive husband – and the roles were reversed: Lori was at the table and Ramona was the speaker, helping other victims by sharing her experiences.
“I’m so grateful for this place,” Lori said.
Why does gratitude work?
“Gratitude serves as a key link between receiving and giving: It moves recipients to share and increase the good they have received,” writes Robert A. Emmons, Ph.D., an author and scientific expert who has studied gratitude for three decades. Based on his research, he writes, “I’ve concluded that gratitude is one of the few attitudes that can measurably change peoples’ lives.” [1]
Gratitude changes our brains, too, says Dr. Emiliana Simon-Thomas of the Greater Good Science Center. She says, “A growing body of literature shows gratitude has so much capacity to shape the brain” when we practice it. [2]
At a Greater Good Science Center Summer Institute, Emiliana Simon-Thomas told teachers that once we understand someone else influences our sense of well-being at a particular moment, we begin to connect with them. We feel trusted and safe. Our self-esteem goes up. And this helps us get through difficult times. [3]
Paying gratitude forward powers Sheltering Wings
Donors, volunteers and staff, grateful for something in their lives, are moved to pay it forward by helping domestic abuse victims at Sheltering Wings. Residents pay forward the skills and peace of mind they get at the shelter by sharing their support with other residents. We express our gratitude to the community by sending speakers into schools, churches, companies and community events to teach about healthy relationships.
If you’re grateful for something, here’s an awesome opportunity to pay it forward. Join us on January 12 as we #PayItForward in honor of our 18th anniversary. Visit the #PayItForward page to learn more and to make plans to participate.
Or, if you’re reading this article after January 12, our Help Others page shares ways to help someone you think may be abused in your family, among your friends, at church, in your workplace and at school.
One small act by you could start a long-lasting chain of paying it forward.
[1] Emmons, Robert. Pay It Forward. Greater Good Magazine. https://greatergood.berkeley.edu/article/item/pay_it_forward#thank-influence
[2] The Science of Gratitude: It Really Is the Little Things. Medical Daily. https://www.medicaldaily.com/science-gratitude-it-really-little-things-310468
[3] Simon-Thomas, Emiliana. Video: Greater Good Science Center Summer Institute for Educators.
