Take your wheel of life assessment today
Get startedThe gift of gratitude – the ability to find the blessing in every experience and show appreciation for it – is one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves. When we think about showing gratitude, we often think of creating the feeling of thankfulness within ourselves, whether we journal, practice priming or meditate. But gratitude is also one of the greatest gifts we can give others.
You don’t need to invest a lot of time or money to express gratitude. It doesn’t have to be a big event or dramatic gesture. Often the most powerful ways to show appreciation are understated. You just have to trade your expectations for appreciation and learn how to show gratitude every day.
1. Make a phone call
We live in the age of texting and social media messaging, which makes a phone call feel all the more special. Call family or friends just to say hello, or make a point to call someone you know is going through challenges in life.
2. Write a note
A handwritten, sincere “thank you” note is all it takes to express gratitude. The recipient can save it to look back on and bring a smile to their face. Another way to use notes is to write things you love about your spouse or family and leave them in a lunchbox, the book they’re reading or on the bathroom mirror.
3. Give a compliment
Everyone has time to show appreciation with a few nice words to a coworker, 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.
