Thanksgiving is upon us! Turkey, family, football and pie {listed in no particular order, of course!} Sure, the month of November is a wonderful opportunity to count our many blessings. Each Fall we are reminded of how fortunate we are to be surrounded by family and friends and we set aside a special day to gather around a delicious meal to offer our thanks.
What if we made a point to express our gratitude all year round? Small tokens of sincere appreciation take minimal effort but can make a huge difference to others. In positive psychology research, gratitude is strongly and consistently associated with greater happiness. Furthermore, it can improve our physical health, strengthen relationships and improve sleep.
The list of people to shower with gratitude is endless and it is not necessary to wait for holidays or special occasions. Here are five ideas of where to start. Set an example and be sure to get your children involved!
Teachers care for our kiddos just like their own. They spend so much time and effort shaping the minds of future generations. Most do not receive the appreciation and respect they so deserve. Consider unexpectedly delivering their favorite snack or coffee to the school, donating to their classroom or having your child hand write a letter of appreciation.
Friends are the family we choose! How sweet it is to have them alongside us in this journey. With the hustle and bustle of every day life, things can easily become overwhelming and stressful! Set aside time to prepare a homemade meal, offer to babysit or simply deliver an encouraging note and coffee when you know they need it most.
Volunteer youth coaches give their time and energy without expecting anything in return! They tirelessly work to instill lifelong lessons and values. Think about expressing gratitude with a gift card or team memento such as a signed sports ball or framed photo.
Our very own spouses need words of affirmation and tokens of gratitude! It’s so easy to take them for granted and it is important to express our thankfulness for all that they do. Consider leaving a note on the bathroom mirror, preparing their favorite dessert or planning an impromptu getaway!
The mailman works to ensure our most confidential information. They stop at our house daily and we may not even know their name! Leave cookies or a quick note of gratitude for the job they do….especially as we head into their busiest season of the year!
“Give thanks with a grateful heart.” -1 Thessalonians 5:18
