Gratitude is such an incredible gift and allows us to find the good in any situations. Doing gratitude practices ourselves is extremely important which include things like journalling, meditation or priming. However, gratitude is also one of the greatest gifts we can give others.
Expressing gratitude can be a small gesture - it doesn't need to involve a lot of time or money or be a dramatic event. The small little things are the important things and are often forgotten. We can do things to share gratitude with others daily and keep kindness flowing easily. Some examples of how we can do this:
1. Make a Phone Call
It is so easy to text or message someone on social media, however giving someone a call instead really can make them feel a lot more special. Calling family or friends to check in, say hello or making a point to call someone who is going through a challenging time can be impactful.
2. Write a Note
A sweet, handwritten "thank you" note is such a great way to express gratitude. It also gives the receipt something to look back on and can make them smile. You could also write a list of things you love about a partner or family member and leave in a place for them to find.
3. Give a Compliment
A few nice words go a long way - whether it be to a friend, partner, a coworker, a barista or even a total stranger on the street. Compliments help others shift their perspective to one of gratitude, and can turn around someone’s day instantly.
4. Get together
Pay a visit to a family member who you have been distant with lately, take them for a walk or go for food. Try new restaurants with friends or host brunch to make your dynamic fun, fresh and interesting. All of these kinds of things demonstrate gratitude.
5. SHOW UP
To show gratitude for someone you love, take an interest in the things they love. Show up to their play, football game or dance class. And when they are really in need, be the person they can go to for advice, support or just to talk
6. MAKE THEM FOOD
Food is one of the best ways to show love and appreciation. Baking cookies for a friend or bringing them dinner when they don’t have time to cook or making your partner breakfast in bed are guaranteed to be well-received.
7. GIVE THEM A GIFT
Gifts to express appreciation don’t have to be extravagant or expensive and small gifts can be even more thoughtful: a bouquet of their favourite flowers or a practical gift, like a new mug for that friend who loves coffee is a great idea.
8. GET CREATIVE
Showing gratitude with handmade gifts can be especially meaningful and things like making a gratitude scrapbook with pictures, notes and things that remind you of them, painting a picture or building them a playlist they can listen to is a lovely thought.
9. USE THEIR GIFTS
Meaningful gifts go both ways: If someone bought you something nice, be sure to show appreciation. Wear jewelry or clothes they gave you when you see them. Display that framed photo of the two of you somewhere easy to see. You’ll both feel good when you see it.
10. SHARE WHAT YOU HAVE
Too often we have a scarcity mindset in life. But living in gratitude means understanding that the universe always provides. Be willing to share what you have – books, clothes, food and even your time and skills – with your loved ones and those less fortunate.
11. RUN AN ERRAND
Time is so precious so when you give someone some of yours, it will really be appreciated. Things like running an errand for a busy friend or taking on extra chores around the house express gratitude for those people in your life.
12. BE PRESENT
This is such a gift you can give your significant other and your children – but you can also give this gift to anyone else in your life. Practice deep listening and make an effort to connect with them and discover how to show gratitude on a deeper level.
13. CELEBRATE THEIR SUCCESS
Whether your friend passed an exam or your partner got a new job, celebrating their success shows that you appreciate them enough to notice their accomplishments. Send a note, a small gift or better yet, show up in person and pop the champagne.
14. TELL SOMEONE ELSE
What’s an even better way to express gratitude than telling the person themselves? Telling their boss, writing them a letter of recommendation or nominating them for an award are all ways you can take your gratitude up a notch by earning them even more recognition.
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