Gratitude is life-changing.
Something about gratitude gives a particular perspective on our day. When we choose to share our gratitude, it makes things clear to those that we love.
It’s something I try to do daily. I’ll write a few things that I am grateful for that day or the previous day. This helps put things in perspective.
I have noticed that although journaling, what I am grateful for is excellent. There is something special about reaching out to people and sharing gratefulness.
I decided to put together 7 ways we can reach out to friends and family to show gratitude. Sharing gratitude can be life-changing.
1. Make a Call
One easy way is to pick up your phone and talk to those we love to let them know that we’re grateful. Often I’ll do this with my wife via text. It helps her not feel taken for granted, and it helps me keep things in perspective.
Sometimes I’ll reach out to someone I haven’t talked to in a while. Only to let them know I am grateful for their friendship. It’s not about going overboard but conveying gratefulness.
I have added this gratefulness practice to my to-do list. It helps me keep track of the relationships that matter most. The goal is to make gratefulness intentional rather than at random.
It’s also important to reach out at times for the sake of gratefulness without a plan. After a while, it drives me crazy to be invited out by a friend, only to find out they joined some MLM.
2. Write a Letter.
Like picking up a phone, sometimes writing your thoughts out provides more clarity. That’s my thought process, for some reason, I’m able to connect my emotions much better in writing.
Take a moment to write a letter to someone special to you and show why you are grateful. It doesn’t have to be drawn out; instead, focus on your appreciation and gratitude.
You may list three reasons why you are thankful for them. Then follow that up with events that confirm your thankfulness. It will have a significant relational effect on your friendship.
3. Plan a Date.
A great way to show gratitude can be planning time. Quality time is a way to show appreciation.
When we are busy, it’s easy to let essential relationships lapse. But if someone matters, we can make time.
It doesn’t have to be a ton of time. Instead, making an effort can go a long way. Grabbing a cup of coffee with no plan can show gratitude.
Often actions speak louder than words.
4. Buy a Gift.
It’s time to put your money where your mouth is. Go buy something for someone you appreciate.
I’m not saying you should spend a lot. It might be something small and meaningful.
If you know the person’s favorite candy, grab something for them. Maybe you know the person who loves trinkets. Why not bless them with a thoughtful gift.
5. Write a Review or Recommendation.
Many of our friends or family are on LinkedIn. Some may even own businesses that we’ve worked with or utilized their services.
Why not take a moment to write a review for their company. Often we are quick to support large companies. But usually, we don’t support local businesses or friends or family working to grow a business.
Reviewing a friend’s or family member’s business can go a long way. Assuming you purchased goods or services from their company.
Recommending a colleague, friend, or family member on LinkedIn can also show gratitude. It’s the idea of getting outside ourselves for someone else.
6. Find Connections.
Like reviews and recommendations, there’s helping those around you make connections.
Passing someone’s name along for a job opening can show that you value a relationship. Usually, it’s a couple of clicks and does not affect your day.
We all tend to have varying types of contacts. You never know what connections might exist from your Rolodex. Look for synergies that might provide opportunities for those around you.
There is something remarkable about helping a connection get formed. Knowing that you helped someone is an incredible feeling.
7. Offer Help
An area that’s often overlooked is the simple act of offering assistance. You never know what someone needs until you reach out.
It’s easy for me to maintain an everything’s fine facade. Until someone sincerely reaches out with genuine care. Even then, it’s not easy to be vulnerable but possible.
When there is a need, we can show gratefulness in action by being there. It might not mean doing anything. It could be a listening ear or some helpful feedback.
No matter what offering a helping hand can go a long way in showing gratitude.
These are some radical ways that you can show gratitude. It’s cool to see the change in my life from choosing to be grateful. I have a long way to go, and I am working to increase my gratefulness.
The realities of everyday life make it easy to take people for granted. Showing consistent gratitude is a great way to prevent taking those we love for granted.
What are some ways you use to show gratefulness?