Cultivating Cultures of Gratitude

Chantel Schieffer, International Vice President, Alpha Phi (Montana State U)

A deep sense of appreciation is central to who I am as a woman, mother, wife, sister, and leader. Because of that, I am powerfully drawn to people and places that hold the concept of gratitude in high regard. Our fraternity and sisters certainly meet that standard, and I am delighted to fill these words this month with a call to cultivate cultures of gratitude across our organization.

This season is the perfect time to reflect on the powerful practice of gratitude. We are often so busy we forget to slow down and appreciate what is going well, however I believe that gratitude has the power to transform not only our individual well-being but also the fabric of our societies.

What exactly is gratitude? It is the quality of being thankful and appreciative for the various aspects of life. Simply put, gratitude makes us better people and positively impacts a lot of who we are, including mental and physical health, relationships, and personal growth. It helps us cultivate a more positive and appreciative mindset, leading to a happier and more fulfilling life. Yay, gratitude!

Incorporating gratitude into our daily lives does not need to require grand gestures or a lot of time. Here are some simple practices I use in my own life:

• Gratitude Journaling: Set aside a few minutes each day to write down three things you are grateful for. This practice encourages mindfulness and helps shift your focus to the positive aspects of your life.
• Express Appreciation: Share your gratitude to others through a note, a text, or simply share your appreciation in person. These small acts can significantly impact both you and the recipient.
• Gratitude Circles: Consider initiating gratitude circles with friends, family, colleagues, or chapter members. Gather to share what you’re thankful for, creating a supportive space that fosters connection and appreciation. I like to start meetings by asking participants to share one thing they are grateful for as a practice to also help us get to know each other on a deeper level.

Imagine a sisterhood event where the only goal was to share gratitude to each member of your chapter, officers, advisors, or other key partners. I wonder if you would leave that meeting feeling with a deeper sense of belonging!

When more people embrace gratitude, it creates a ripple effect within communities and can lead to increased empathy, stronger communication skills, and improved culture. We become more attuned to the needs and feelings of others, fostering a feeling of empathy and compassion. Grateful individuals are more likely to engage in acts of kindness and community service, contributing to a more positive and supportive environment. Gratitude can enhance team cohesion and morale, as recognizing and appreciating colleagues’ contributions can lead to a more productive and collaborative work environment.

Looking at your own chapters, how could gratitude benefit your sisterhood? Can you think of ways to incorporate more intentional appreciation into your work together? I challenge all of us to dedicate this month to acts of gratitude and watch as feelings of positivity, happiness, and kindness grow exponentially!