Different Ways to Express Gratitude Towards Someone
November 23, 2020
In one of our earlier articles, we talked about How Being Grateful Changes Your Life and the practice of keeping a gratitude journal! Journaling is super helpful so that you can look back and be reminded of all the positivity in your life and the people/things that make it all worthwhile.
Staying mindful of the things and more importantly the people you are grateful for is a daily habit to always be working on. Showing someone you’re grateful for them is such a small thing but it can have a huge impact on your life and the life of that person.
But how do we really show someone our gratitude?
Heres a few ways to do that!
Verbalize your appreciation
Make sure your words are specific and sincere, don’t just say thank you - express what you’re thankful for! A text or an email is great, but an in-person conversation or a handwritten letter is even better!
Take time out of your day for them
Time is something everyone has so little of, so giving your time to a person is the ultimate way to show someone you care. Nothing says "I appreciate you" more than an investment of your time.
Clean up after yourself
If someone cooks you dinner, help with the dishes! If you drop some snacks, sweep it up. This is a small but crucial act of kindness. It symbolizes that you respect other people’s space and are appreciative of another person’s efforts to keep the space clean too.
A gift from the heart to the stomach
Who doesn’t love food?! Baking or cooking for someone is a great way to express your gratitude. Food represents comfort, love and can really showcase just how much you appreciate them.
Acknowledge them publicly
Whether its a co-worker, family member, or friend, who doesn’t love public praise? You can find a way to acknowledge the contributions of someone, showing your gratitude, in a public way. Whether it's in a meeting, among your friends/family, OR through a social media post! How easy is that?
When you’re with a person, be fully present
It is one of the greatest ways to show your appreciation. Make eye contact with the person, stay off your phone, engage in the activity the other person is immersed in. Ignore distractions and actively listen.
Do someone a favor without expecting anything in return
Even just something small. Get them a a coffee, do a chore for them, offer to do an errand, anything you’d appreciate yourself! Think of what the person likes, wants or needs, and try to do something to help them.
In summary, don't overcomplicate it. Many times it is the simplest gestures that stand out the most. So just taking that extra step to express your gratitude shows that you care and are happy to have that person in your life.
To that person who makes your days better, helps you out, and is there when you need them even when you least expect it - send them note, pick up the phone, or send a gift and say “thank you.”
Quotable Quote by the Dalai Lama: “Everyday, think as you wake up, ‘Today I am fortunate to have woken up, I am alive, I have a precious human life, I am not going to waste it. I am going to use all my energies to develop myself, to expand my heart out to others, to achieve enlightenment for the benefit of all beings, I am going to have kind thoughts towards others, I am not going to get angry or think badly about others, I am going to benefit others as much as I can.’ ”
