Life passes by so fast and so it is incredibly easy to forget to be thankful for all the awesome things what we are given in life. Studies have shown that consistently keeping track of what you are grateful for and acting on these feelings of appreciation can actually boost your immune system, making you healthier as well as happier.
To improve your life and the life of others, it is important to show true gratitude. Showing gratitude is much more than a thank you without further thought. In the spirit of showing ourselves and others that we care, today I am sharing 7 powerful ways to show gratitude in our lives.
1. Send thank you cards
Rather than saying a simple thank you, writing a handwritten note or sending a card shows extra effort and care to the other person. I mean who doesn’t love getting nice snail mail? Say Nice Things Stationery have some beautiful cards that I have been using. Ever since I was younger I have always written thank you cards after birthdays, thanking everyone for my gifts. I have continued to send thank you cards to loved ones. Especially with so much technology filling out lives, it is always great to put pen to paper and taking time out to write a personal message.
2. Start a gratitude journal
Practising the art of writing down what you are grateful for is so beneficial. It helps to improve your mood, as you are reflecting on what is positive in your life and what you are thankful for. I have recently started a gratitude journal and writing down what I am grateful for at the start of the day. It starts my day off on a positive note and sets the tone for the day.
3. Surprise loved ones with gifts and kind gestures
Surprising loved ones like this not only makes them smile and feel good, but it makes you feel good too. Showing kind gestures or giving gifts shows your loved ones you were thinking of them. It also shows so much effort to surprise a loved one just simply because you wanted to show them you care, rather than for a specific occasion. Shopping for other people makes me happy, finding the perfect gift to make that person smile. Remember to buy small business where you can.
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4. Donate to a charity or volunteer your time
I am very much the believer that there is always something to be grateful for, no matter how small. There is always someone who wishes they were lucky enough to have what you do. So where you can it is important to give back whether that’s in a donation however small, or donate your time. Helping others in need is a great way to give back to your community. It may just be helping an elderly neighbour with shopping for example.
5. Pay it forward
There has been this movement called pay it forward, where you carry out a good deed or a random act of kindness, for example helping someone with their shopping or surprising someone with a gift. Whatever the deed may be the person who receives the kindness should then pay it forward to another person. So the kindness and positivity spreads!
Raising money to put towards a organisation or a charity can be a powerful way to give back and pay forward the kindness, plus it makes you feel so good! Fundraisers are a great tool in getting people involved and raise money. Restaurant fundraisers have become a fundamental part of many fundraising coordinators’ repertoire and can be a great option for you. It is definitely worth looking here at how you can make your next restaurant fundraiser a success.
6. Provide support, encouragement or skills
Showing your support or encouraging another person is a great way to show gratitude and be able to help others. Someone might be wavering over their abilities to achieve something and sometimes all that person needs is a little encouragement. Someone believing in them could be enough to help them achieve their goals. If someone asks a question is looking for advice on a topic you are skilled at, why not give them that advice? Spread that positivity and encouragement.
7. Be fully present
When spending time with loved ones, you should always be living in the moment. So stay off your phone and give that other person your full attention and appreciate their company. It is important to appreciate the time with we have with people. There is nothing worse than spending time with people who are glued to their phones.
These are some powerful ways you can show gratitude in your life. Gratitude is something you should always practise, even when things seem to be going wrong, you are feeling down or angry. Take the time to appreciate the little things and practise writing down what you are grateful for.
How do you show gratitude in your life? I’d love to hear in the comments.
A simple way to do this is to practice gratitude. Be grateful that you have someone who loves you. This can help put things in perspective
Thank you for reading and commenting.