4. Gratitude for the Conservationists

A few weeks ago, during my morning run along the beach, I noticed a flagged off section stretching from the dunes to the high water mark. Upon closer inspection I found a sign about the endangered Hooded Plover. According to the information on the sign, there are only 700 birds left in South Australia. The beach had been flagged off because there were a nesting pair in the dunes and a nest containing three eggs that were due to hatch. Dog walkers were asked to leash their dogs when passing through the flagged area so that the nesting birds were not disturbed.

As the hatching day drew near, I experienced feelings of excitement and gratitude because these birds had chosen 'my beach' to nest on. I also glared at the dog owners who blissfully ignored the signs and allowed their dogs to wander at will. Last Monday, the predicted hatching day, saw the flags extended to the shoreline and new signage erected. At this point I thought with gratitude, who are these wonderful people who care and give up their time to protect this endangered species. Upon investigation I discovered that they are a group of volunteers called the 'Hoodie Helpers'.

Each morning as I run and see the work of the Hoodie Helpers, I feel a sense of gratitude towards these people who are unknown to me. I am starting to understand the difference between gratitude for and gratitude to (Howells, 2012) It also motivates me to want to give back and look for ways that I can make a difference which supports the theory that “gratitude seems to foster prosocial behaviour” (Mikulincer & Shaver, 2008)

Howells, K. (2012). Gratitude in Education. Rotterdam: Sense.

Mikulincer, M., & Shaver, P. R. (2008). Does Gratitude Promote Prosocial Behavior? The Moderating Role of Attachment Security . Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.