Gratitude

Throughout our lives, we encounter acts of kindness large and small: strangers holding a door open for you, a friend helping you in a time of need. Other times we are lucky enough to see acts of kindness unfolding for other people: someone picking litter up off the ground and throwing it away, someone allowing a mother with cranky toddlers to go in front of them in line at the bank. I believe it is one of the more beautiful aspects of being alive, that we are allowed to bear witness and receive these moments of human goodness. These interactions of good intentions and generosity are a wonderful time to practice gratitude. Expressing appreciation invites grace into our lives and helps us refocus to see the bigger picture.

I was recently blessed with an act of friendship that was so genuine and generous, I felt merely saying thank you was not a sufficient way to express my gratitude. I started digging deep within my creative banks to see if I could brainstorm an adequate expression of my thanks. Here’s five of my favorite ways to say thank you:

1. Flowers
   It may be an obvious choice, but who doesn’t love having beautiful things around? Sending flowers is a great way to say thank you, and they don’t have to be a fancy, expensive bouquet. Clippings from your garden are sure to make someone smile just as much.

1. A Sincere Note
   In a world inundated with email and social media notifications, we rarely get to experience the joy of a handwritten letter. When was the last time you told your friends what your friendship means to you? Take some time and write down what you love about having someone in your life and why you are grateful for them. I cherish the words of my friends that they took the time to write down, and I’m sure a note expressing gratitude will be met with the same adoration.

2. Give Them a Sweet Treat
   If someone has done something sweet for you, you can return the favor with an actual sweet.
   Who doesn’t love receiving a delicious package of cookies or a scrumptious loaf of homemade bread? If you are not quite a baker, a box of chocolates will make anyone smile.

1. Give Them Some Time Off
   Everyone needs a break every once in a while. If you can help someone out by completing a task for them, like cooking a meal for them and their family, or doing a chore they despise, you will be sure to keep the gratitude train on track by exchanging one act of kindness for another.

2. Express Yourself
   Simply saying “Thank you!” can make someone's day brighter. They likely didn’t help you out or do something kind to be praised, but it is nice to hear that someone is grateful for something you have done. Be sincere, tell them how their action has made your life or the world better.

Now allow me to express my gratitude for you, thank you for reading this post!