How often do you express your appreciation for people? The importance of expressing gratitude is not often discussed, but I think it should be. People go out of their way to do things for you all the time, so remember to say "thank you." Everyone likes to know they are appreciated. Even if it is something small, show your appreciation.
1. Return the favor.
When someone does something nice for you, do you tend to say "thank you" and leave it at that, or do you take action and return the favor? While it is necessary to thank them, it is also important to take action. Chances are, they wouldn’t mind a nice gesture in return. The next time someone does something nice for you, think of a way you can return the favor to express your gratitude.
2. Be polite to strangers.
Although it is not hard to do, so many people continue to be absorbed in their own lives, they forget to even smile at a stranger. When you walk by someone, smile at them. Don’t pretend they don’t exist. You never know, a smile can turn someone’s entire day around.
3. Clean up.
So often we get in the mindset of if it is not my mess, I am not responsible for cleaning it up. I understand that, I do. However, I also know, more often than not, people have gone out of their way to help clean a mess that wasn’t their's. Even something as small as picking up a piece of trash off the sidewalk is significant. Don’t be that person who walks on by, pretending you don’t see the trash on the ground. Pick it up, and throw it away.
4. Say "thank you."
If you live in a residence hall, your room or communal bathroom probably gets cleaned every couple of weeks, right? When was the last time you thanked the person cleaning it? What about the worker, swiping you in to the dining hall? Have you thanked them recently? I know their efforts probably don’t get recognized as much as they should. It doesn’t take a lot of effort on your part to say "thank you." Ask them how their day is going, tell them you appreciate their smiling face, say "thank you."
5. Call a friend you haven’t seen in a while.
It is OK to use your phone to call people every once in a while. While texting is convenient, calling allows for more emotion to be relayed throughout the conversation. Call your friend and let them know why you are thankful for them. So often we just assume they know this already, but it is a nice gesture to remind them every once in a while.
6. Treat them to lunch.
Every once in awhile, it is nice to treat your friend to lunch. It is even nicer if they don’t expect it. Take them to their favorite place to eat or cook them a homemade meal, show them they mean a lot to you. Regardless of what you choose to do, make it about them. This is a great way to serve them and express your gratitude for them.
7. Encourage each other.
We live in a society where negativity is all too prevalent. More often than not, you hear about a person’s flaws rather than their strengths. If you are in a conversation where someone is talking negatively about someone, say something positive about that person, compliment their strengths, encourage them. If they are a good listener, let them know. If they are a hard worker, tell them you admire their determination and work ethic. If they make you laugh, let them know they have a good sense of humor. Bottom line, encourage one another.
8. Write a letter.
When was the last time you broke out the good old ink bottle and feather pen? To be fair, I didn’t expect you to have either of the two, but, I’m going to guess you have a pen and a piece of paper. Good news, that’s all you need to write a letter! Think of someone who you look up to or someone you greatly appreciate. Write a letter to the person, telling them why you are appreciative of them. Tell the person how they have impacted you or what they have taught you. It doesn’t have to the longest letter in the world, but it should be from your heart.
I hope this list will give you some ideas on how to show your appreciation for others. I challenge you to extend gratitude to someone not only today, but every day.
