The Gift of Gratitude
by Dena Moscola
We all know how important it is to appreciate others and how great it feels to be appreciated. Simple things like saying thank you can mean a lot. Traditionally around the holidays, presents are an offering of gratitude. After a year that has been enormously challenging for most, I’m encouraging you to give the gift of gratitude by demonstrating more appreciation than ever before. This does not cost anything but worth millions! Show your gratitude by expressing yourself more than usual. Go beyond the thank you. Tell people what you are thanking them for. Step it up. I guarantee it will have impact.
| Example A |
Simple boring thank you = Good job!
Gratitude with impact = Thanks for all your hard work this year. I know it was a year harder than most and you stepped up, even though you were stressed. You put in long hours when I know you would have rather been home. Thanks!
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| Example B |
Simple boring thank you = Thanks for making your bed.
Gratitude with impact = Thanks for making your bed. I know it’s boring and you’d rather be playing with your friends. I don’t like making beds either. So thanks again! (Yes, this works with kids too!)
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Simple yet Strong Offerings of Gratitude for Impact (guaranteed to make someone happier):
• Give a loved one a list of all the reasons why you love them
• Tell your kids what makes them a good person
• Thank a dear friend for the honor of being such a big part of their life
• Call an old friend and let them know why you still consider them a friend
• Give an extra hug
• Smile more with eye contact
• Say hello to strangers
• Tell the waiter/waitress why they are good at what they do
• Next time you see a police officer, thank him/her for protecting you
• Tell a public restroom attendant that you appreciate their service
• Thank a soldier
This list is endless but guaranteed to be at least as rewarding to you as it is to the receiver. Get creative, even if it is uncomfortable...Step it up, make someone’s day. Have impact!
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