The Wopila Project is a non-profit developed to cultivate a spirit of gratitude and encourage generosity. Theodore Roosevelt said, “comparison is the thief of joy.”  As I look around I’m led to believe that the ‘me’ culture that pervades our society and the advent of social media over the past several decades has only led to ever-increasing dissatisfaction, loneliness, and isolation. We are constantly inundated with images and advertising that cause us to compare our lives to those of others, even if those other lives are only fabrications. It is unfortunately much easier to go through our every day and be reminded of all that we lack rather than to be reminded of all that we have. There are many factors at work in this however it is my hope that in some small way this project can serve to remind us all of the blessings that surround us each and every day.

Wopila is a Lakota expression and ceremony; it is an expression of gratitude for all that life has to offer, for all of existence, and the blessings inherent in each moment. It is this recognition and gratitude that leads us to generosity in giving back to others. I feel extremely blessed in my own life in so many ways. As I look at all the gifts I’ve been given and the fortunate circumstances that I’ve found myself in I wanted to find a way to give back and encourage others to do the same and find gratitude in their own lives as well. This project is part of that vision, to allow us the opportunity to give back to others and in so doing remind us that gratitude and generosity are the primary remedies for discontentment, and no matter where we find ourselves may we be reminded that we all have something to be thankful for.