3 Easy Ways To Give Thanks
Gratitude is one of the secrets to happiness and living a life full of love, joy, and intent. Unsurprisingly, the health benefits of gratitude are endless. Some of the many benefits include: improved happiness and sense of self-worth, increased emotional balance and awareness, decreased stress, increased attractiveness and creativity, improved sleep, and stronger connections and relationships.
Without a doubt, gratitude truly is an adopted attitude. It promotes mindfulness and requires you to be present in the moment. It forces you to pause, assess, and act.
Typically, when we think of gratitude, saying “thank you” is the first thing that comes to mind. While it’s excellent to get in the habit of saying “thank you”, there are so many other ways to express gratitude. Above all, gratitude is an act of kindness that reminds our friends, family, co-workers, and strangers that we appreciate them for their advice, help, support, or service.
In fact, spending just two minutes a day expressing gratitude can improve and enhance your life! Whether you’re interested in finding new ways to give thanks or you’re just starting out on your gratitude journey, here are 3 easy ways to give thanks:
1. Say It
Thank the people who help you, no matter how big or small the task may seem. Your kind words have the power to remind someone how much you appreciate and value them.
I would be remiss if I didn’t also touch on compliments. Undoubtedly, the best answer to a compliment is always “thank you”. Even if you don’t feel worthy of the compliment, know that you are absolutely every bit deserving of kindness and praise!
Sometimes we may not feel ready for the love and attention that is given to us. Just remember that their words come from a genuine place and their compliment is a reflection of how they view you; it might not reflect how you view yourself.
2. Write It
A quick ‘thank you’ email, text, or letter can go a long way. We all love to feel appreciated and needed. You don’t need a specific reason to thank someone. In fact, you can thank someone simply for being an amazing part of your life! It’s one of the easy ways to give thanks and show you care. If you prefer pen and paper, here are some of the best resources for stationary:
If you love fun prints and pretty colors: https://riflepaperco.com/
If you prefer clean, minimalist designs: http://www.crane.com/
If you’re looking for something bold and witty: https://www.katespade.com/
If you prefer personalized and luxurious: http://www.smythson.com/us/
3. Show It
Physical displays of gratitude are some of the easiest ways to give thanks everyday. Paying it forward and doing something nice for someone else is always a great option. You could buy a friend’s (or a stranger’s!) coffee next time you visit your local coffee shop.
Alternately, If you had a great experience at a salon or restaurant, for example, you could leave a generous tip. Finding a local or national charity that speaks to you and donating your money or volunteering your time to the cause is another good choice.
In fact, giving back to your community is one of the best ways to express gratitude. Getting involved in your community can increase happiness and self-esteem and make a positive impact on the world while benefiting the lives of others. Quite simply, it feels good to give back!
Unexpected acts of thankfulness are always powerful, but almost any act of gratitude can make a positive impact.
