Thanksgiving: 6 Ways to Express Gratitude

by Cari Thompson on November 1st, 2018 | No Comments »

“Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it." This quote from William Arthur Ward is one of my favorite quotes about gratitude. We should be expressing gratitude as we feel it for the benefits of those we thank and ourselves. Here are some simple ways to express gratitude for people, things, and circumstances in your life.

6 Ways to Express Gratitude

1. Thank You Notes

Writing Thank You notes is sadly a dying art. There is something so special about a handwritten, permanent, heart felt note from a friend. Think of someone in your life you are thankful for and write them a quick note expressing your gratitude for them.

2. Self Reflection

Take a moment at the end of each day and ask yourself, “What can I be proud of today?” You can say it out loud or write it down. Recognizing the good things about yourself can help you find the good in others as well.

3. Say What You Need to Say

Live in the moment and express your thanks and gratitude to the people around you as you feel impressed to do so. If you’re not very good at giving compliments or expressing your feelings, practice. You’ll never regret expressing your appreciation for someone.

4. Small Acts of Kindness

Who doesn’t like to be the recipient of a plate of cookies or a shoveled walkway or freshly washed laundry? Find small things you can do for those in your home or your neighborhood to show them how thankful you are for them. Who knows, you might just get some small acts of kindness in return.

5. Gratitude Prayer

Before you go to bed, try saying a prayer aloud or silently listing all the things you are grateful for. Don’t ask for blessings; just acknowledge all the blessings you already have. Give gratitude prayers regularly and see how your list grows. This is especially helpful when you’re not feeling very blessed.

6. Give Back

Show gratitude for the things you have by giving your time or money to those who live without. Serve at a soup kitchen to show how grateful you are for food on your table. Visit a retirement community to show your gratitude for your friends, family, and health. Volunteer at Habitat for Humanity to give thanks for a home to live in. Find other local service opportunities to help you show your gratitude.

What are some ways you express your gratitude to those around you?

Cari Thompson—the artist formerly known as Cari Stewart—is a wife, copywriter, online marketer, and blogger. She currently lives in the mommy blogger space as an editor, SEO specialist, and account manager. Her three greatest accomplishments: beating Super Mario 3 in one night without a whistle, drumming for tens of people, and licking an ice sculpture at the Versace Mansion. Check her out at caristewart.com, dougandcari.com, LinkedIn, and Twitter.