Getting into the habit of being grateful can make your life more meaningful and rewarding. Expressing that gratitude not only makes the feeling more concrete, but can also have a positive impact on someone else’s life.
Here are seven creative ways to express gratitude and make every day a little more positive:
1. Send a Handwritten Thank You Note
In today’s technology-dependent world, it’s easy to get by with emails and text messages when reaching out to people. But handwriting a thank you note can be 10x more meaningful to someone — especially when you’re truly grateful for a job well done or want to show your appreciation to someone.
2. Spend Quality Time With Someone
Sometimes the gift of spending time with someone is enough to show you care. Whether it’s a family member or a good friend, carving out some time to enjoy an activity together, treating them to a meal, or simply spending an afternoon together to catch up can be a great way to show someone you appreciate them being in your life.
3. Mail a Care Package
Instead of buying something and shipping it to the recipient’s home or office, take the time to customize a care package or gift basket with items and a handwritten card. This extra step makes the entire gift more personal and gives you the opportunity to write a personal note directly to the recipient.
4. Gift a Membership
Show someone you care about their health, well-being, or subscription with a recurring gift. A membership to a spa for a monthly massage or a magazine subscription for one of their favorite hobbies can be a welcome gift.
5. Write a Poem
You don’t have to be a poet or a writer to express your thoughts in a creative way! Flex your creative muscles to write a poem that expresses your emotions and thoughts. Be inventive and throw in some humor if you like. The goal is to create a unique message for the recipient — not something you would find in a Hallmark card.
6. Donate to a Shelter
Outside of saying ‘thank you’ to others, you can express gratitude simply by giving. Taking action by donating to a homeless shelter or volunteering your time for a good cause is another way to express your appreciation for what you have. How? Because by doing so, you’re saying you have more than enough yourself and can give to others. It’s an act of gratitude, even if it’s anonymous.
7. Teach Someone a New Skill
Oftentimes, we underestimate our skills and knowledge but these can be a valuable gift for someone — all you have to do is be willing to share. Just like money and attention, giving away your skills and knowledge is an act of gratitude because you’re saying that you have enough to give. You don’t have to be a teacher to do this — simply helping someone else learn something you know helps them, and also helps you.
It’s easy get caught up in that endless to-do list and forget to slow down and appreciate what’s around you but taking a moment to express gratitude can help you stay more positive.
What are some ways you express what you’re grateful for? Share in the comments below!
