34 Ways to Show Gratitude and Instantly Have a Better Life…
1. Be an Active Listener
Show you gratitude to others by really listening to what they have to say.
2. Give Out Compliments
Make someone’s day by giving out compliments on little things like a great shirt, a nice smile, or on a job well done.
3. Make Eye Contact
When interacting with people, make eye contact and show you are really present in the conversation.
4. Give a Detailed Example of Appreciation
Let someone know exactly why you are grateful to have them in your life by citing an example of things they have done or said on your behalf.
5. Be Thoughtful of Others
While you must take care of you, it is important to also think of others first. Consider someone else’s feelings with every action and word.
6. Volunteer for Unpleasant Tasks
Offer to do a chore or errand. By doing these tasks for someone you make their day easier.
7. Give a Hug
Make a true connection with those you love and are grateful to have in your life by giving hugs when greeting, saying goodbye, or saying thanks.
8. Just Be There
Spend time with others especially during difficult times and just be there without your phone and other distractions.
9. Be Gracious when Challenged
When someone challenges your actions or words, still show grace by listening to what they say and being polite. You never really know what someone else might be going through so don’t take their actions personally and show them kindness (even if it’s really hard to do).
10. Offer Congratulations
When someone you know is celebrating an achievement, offer your sincere congratulations even if you are not the winner.
11. Show Off Their Gifts
When someone is gracious enough to give you a gift make sure you wear the clothes in their presence, display their craft on your desk, or make it known you appreciate the gift by using it.
12. Share Their Joys
Celebrate other’s joys as if they were your own.
13. Be Patient
Patience is not everyone’s virtue but give it your best effort to remain patient with those you love and remember that everyone has their own struggles.
14. Share Their Praise
When you are on the receiving end of great service or fine hospitality let others know about the job well done such as telling supervisors about the excellent service your wait staff provided.
15. Select Small, Thoughtful Gifts
When you are out and about, select a few small but thoughtful gifts for those you love just to show you are thinking about them.
16. Write Handwritten Notes of Thanks
When you receive a gift, handwrite a thank you note that mentions the gift you received and your appreciation.
17. Handwrite ‘Thinking of You Letters’
Forget emails when sending personal sentiments that lets loved ones know you are thinking of them.
18. Handwrite Letters of Encouragement
Skip the texts. When family and friends are having a rough time, handwrite letters of encouragement and inspiration or, give them a call and let them get it all out.
19. Write a Love Letter
Address a love letter to those you love – from your spouse, to your parents, to your children you will provide them with proof positive they are loved and appreciated. It also helps remind you what you have to be grateful for every day.
20. Journal Your Blessings
Take a few moments each night before bed to write down the things you appreciated throughout the day. It can be a wonderful way to reflect on how far you’ve come over the years.
21. Be a Support System
When people are in need, step up to be the go-to person they can rely on for support regardless of your differences.
22. Share Your Talents
If you are a whiz at scrapbooking, money management, or resume writing, share your talents with those in need.
23. Perform a Random Act of Kindness
Kindness is still very much appreciated in the world today so perform a random kindness for those you love or a total stranger without looking for praise such as buying a homeless person lunch.
24. Pay It Forward
When you order a coffee, pay for the person behind you. When you are at the drive through, pay an extra $5 for the next person in line. Drop a few extra coins in the toll booth on your travels.
25. Tip Well for Good Service
When you receive good service, be sure to offer a good tip that shows those in the service industry how much they are appreciated. It is often a low-paying, unappreciated job others continue to do.
26. Donate to Charity
Skip a pedicure and allocate that money to a charity in your local community.
27. Volunteer Your Time
Spend a few hours at a food bank, an animal shelter, or your church helping others. Sharing your time with those in need can help put your own life into perspective.
28. Host a Gathering for Your Dearest Friends (after Covid-19)
For no reason at all, host a gathering of your nearest and dearest as a way to say thank you for all they’ve done.
29. Help a Stranger in Need
While more risky now than in decades past, helping a stranger can certainly make you feel great. If you can’t change a flat tire, at least hang out nearby until the tow truck arrives. If you pick a “weird vibe” or anything else that makes you funny, trust your gut and get outta there. You can always show gratitude later that day.
30. Share your Material Possessions
Don’t be stingy with the things you do have. Be willing to share your possessions with those you love and those that are not as fortunate.
31. Say You’re Sorry
No matter how mad you get or how right you are, be willing to say you are sorry to those you truly love and appreciate. Be willing to compromise in life. There’s a saying that goes, “You can either be right or you can be happy.”
32. Visit the Sick and/or Elderly (after Covid-19)
Spend time with those who may not have anyone else. A Saturday morning visit to the nursing home or the sick ward at the local hospital can brighten everyone’s day. Think about how you might appreciate that when you’re elderly yourself.
33. Always say Thank You
No matter how small or how big the favor was, always say thank you. Say it to family, friends, co-workers, and kids. A heartfelt thank you can go a long way. I always try to say it to the bus driver as I get off the bus because their job seems so thankless.
34. Smile
All the time! Share a smile with loved ones and strangers on the bus. While not everyone will smile back, it is certainly worth the effort to keep doing it. Smiles are contagious so do your part to make happiness and gratitude go viral.