Paula Gurnett, C.C.C. October 27, 2021
Being thankful to someone and showing them how grateful you are may seem like a small thing, but it can have a massive impact on someone's life.
Can you imagine a world where everyone was grateful for the things that were done for them? Even a simple act of kindness, like a smile for example, could brighten someone's day.
You can make your life - and the world - better by expressing your gratitude!
Try these methods to show your gratitude:
Send a note saying thank you. Sometimes it is nice to read about how thankful a person is. Taking the time to write something down rather than just sending a text message makes it more personal too.
Give them a hug. You can only do this where appropriate, but if you’re feeling grateful about something, and you’re on hugging terms with your family or friends - give a hug.
Offer a free favor. Even if it is something small, do something nice for someone without expecting anything in return. Think of what the person wants or needs and do your best to help, even if it is just making a cup of coffee or doing a small chore. Actions can speak louder than words, and this simple act will show how grateful you are.
Give a little gift. It doesn’t have to cost much, but the act of giving a small gift shows that you’ve thought about the person and that you are grateful for what they do for you. Some ideas: flowers, chocolates, a coffee, a gift card.
Be happy for their achievements. Express how pleased you are for someone on their achievement. Celebrate with them by acknowledging their success!
Write a list. This will only take 5-10 minutes but will show just how much you care. Sit down and make a list of 10 or more things that you love about someone. Mention the things that they do for you that you are grateful for. Don’t let it stop there…share that list with them. Expressing gratitude is powerful, but so is receiving it!
Give them public acknowledgement. Not everyone will love being made a fuss of in public, but for some, public praise would be appreciated. This works especially well if you’re the boss and those you wish to offer gratitude to are your employees.
Just be there. Be available for those you care about, even when things are not going well for you. Be sure to do this while honoring your own healthy boundaries and just be you. When you are supportive of others, you are showing how much you care and that you’re grateful for the times they have been there to support you.
Surprise them with kindness. This works especially well with your partner. Surprise them with a lovely dinner or clean the house while they are out. These simple tasks will mean a lot to someone, especially if they are busy or stressed with very little spare time.
Look for the good in every situation. You may not always feel grateful for the things that are going on in your life. Especially if you feel as though things are rough. However, now is the time to be most grateful.
● Look for those little things that are going right for you. Focus on these positives and be grateful for them. They can help take your mind off any negatives.
● Notice the little things that others do for you, even in unpleasant situations. Let them know that they made a positive difference.
You don’t have to make grand gestures to express gratitude. Even the smallest act can show someone how thankful you are.
“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.”
– William Arthur Ward -