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Gratitude for the Greater Good

Our Year of Service at Mount Alvernia College

As we continue our Year of Service at Mount Alvernia College, our collective efforts have shown how acts of kindness and compassion bring positive change, both in our lives and in the lives of others. With our current focus on collecting items for the St. Vinnie's Christmas Appeal, it’s a perfect time to pause and reflect on the meaning behind our service and the spirit of giving. While generosity is at the heart of our efforts, it's equally important to remain mindful, ensuring that we avoid "giving fatigue" and instead focus on the deeper, meaningful impacts of our support.

In this spirit, the concept of gratitude plays a pivotal role. According to Dr. Robert Emmons, the world's leading scientific expert on gratitude, incorporating gratitude into our lives does more than just benefit others—it transforms our own well-being. Dr. Emmons notes that gratitude is deeply beneficial to our bodies, minds, and relationships. In a study of more than a thousand people, ranging from ages 8 to 80, Dr. Emmons found that practising gratitude consistently offers a host of physical, psychological, and social benefits.

Dr. Emmons defines gratitude in two parts. First, it’s an “affirmation of goodness,” a way of recognising the good in our lives. Secondly, gratitude is about understanding the sources of this goodness, often recognising that it comes from outside us —from friends, family, or the community around us. This perspective aligns beautifully with our school theme, “Embodying Service in All We Do,” as it highlights how interdependence and generosity enrich our lives and communities, particularly at a time like Christmas when it can become so easy to take for granted all that we have. 

As we continue to serve those in need through the St. Vinnie’s Appeal, let’s remind ourselves of this broader sense of gratitude. By thinking of others before ourselves and recognising the blessings we share, we can help foster a culture of compassion and connection. With gratitude as our guide, we can ensure our service efforts are heartfelt, sincere, and sustainable, truly embodying the college ethos of “we, not me.”

Why Gratitude is good By Robert Emmons | November 16, 2010