Gratitude is a state of being thankful. The holidays are the perfect opportunity to remind yourself of all the reasons you have to be grateful, because in the hustle of life, we can sometimes forget what is truly important to us. And, bonus, the more you practice gratitude, the better you will feel about yourself, your life and your role and purpose in it. It can be the first step toward fulfilling your lifelong dreams and goals.
- Be Gracious. While most of the time it’s pretty easy to be gracious to other people, it matters even more when you are tested. If someone challenges your words or actions try and remember that their point of view is just as valid as yours, and that everyone is going through something difficult.
- Put Thought into Gifts. With the upcoming gift-giving season, do your best to think about the gift recipient’s personality and what they might truly appreciate. Are they a wine snob? Instead of a bottle, give them the gift of a wine tasting or even a sommelier class. One of the best gifts of all is a Visa Gift Card, putting the purchasing power right into their hands. You can even customize it with a personal photo and text such as “Happy Holidays” or “Reach for the Stars!”
- Give Handwritten Notes. Handwritten notes are gaining in popularity, as they are literally a piece of ourselves that we give to someone else. The physicality of the note, and the visual nature and style of the handwriting makes this a piece of ephemera that can be cherished for years to come. Whether it’s a thank you note or simple correspondence, it’s worth its weight in gold.
- Start a Gratitude Journal. There are so many things to be grateful for in life; birds chirping, the sun shining, the love of a parent or child. Challenge yourself to write down what you are grateful for, and revisit these items regularly. Not only will it fuel you with inspiration and appreciation, you’ll grow to be stronger, more patient, and a better listener.
- Perform those Random Acts of Kindness. Is kindness purely a human act? It may be hard to say or even prove, but one thing is for certain – it touches people. Random acts of kindness might be giving someone an authentic compliment, helping a stranger in need or even giving a homeless person a bottle of water or a sandwich. There are dozens of opportunities for such acts every single day; all we have to do is look for them.
- Tip Well. Inflation is at an all-time high, gas and food prices are all soaring. But something that remains the same is good service. When a contractor or vendor provides you with excellent service, tip them well. Oftentimes, those in the service industry are under-paid, so if they are able to do a great job, let them know how much you appreciate it with a healthy tip. It will be welcomed with a smile.
- Volunteer. The holidays tend to be a time when most people feel the urge to volunteer, so ideally, giving of your time throughout the rest of the year works even better. However, you likely won’t be turned away if you spend some time finding a mission or homeless shelter that needs help serving food, gathering essential items, etc. Call and ask when they might need the help and the best way to serve them, and you’ll feel your soul swell with joy and fulfillment.
- Offer Apologies. There’s nothing more humbling than offering an “I’m sorry” when it is warranted. Regardless of how angry you might be, find a way to see the other person’s point of view, and as a starting point for communication, an apology might be in order. There is no room for pride in relationships, whether they are familial, friendly or romantic.
- Be Someone’s Ride or Die. People are innately social; we need other people to survive. We all need to know that there is someone we can count on, regardless of the circumstance. Be that person for someone – a child, a parent, a friend, a neighbor. Whether you’re there for them because they’re ill or they just need someone to cry to, opening your life and your heart to someone helps you show gratitude for life.
- Write a Love Letter – to Yourself. One of the most overlooked forms of gratitude is our appreciation for ourselves. It’s hard to be someone else’s rock or to give of yourself wholeheartedly, when you neglect to care for yourself compassionately. Write a love letter to yourself to acknowledge everything you’ve been through, all that you’ve accomplished, your strengths, and benevolence for your weaknesses.
