The Thanksgiving holiday likely conjures up hopes of family, food and football. And for sure thankfulness. Thankfulness is defined as being “pleased and relieved.” To be grateful is to “show appreciation of kindness.” There is a difference. Being thankful is a feeling whereas being grateful is an action.
Saying “thank you” is one of the easiest and simplest ways to show gratefulness. This small action of kindness is a powerful tool that’s constantly at our disposal. Below are eight ways to take this very action and instantly make someone’s day:
1) Write a note: Few people hand write anything anymore, but when one does, it’s meaningful and not forgotten.
2) Do what you do best: Everyone is good at something! Love cooking? Make a meal and drop it off to someone needing an act of kindness. Love kids? Offer to babysit so their parent can have a break. Interestingly, doing more of what you love makes you happier, too.
3) Be present: In very busy times, getting 100% of a human’s attention is a rare luxury. Show someone how much you care by truly stopping and listening to them.
4) Be sneaky: Leave a surprise somewhere totally unexpected. Studies show that variations to normal routine make us happier – and that goes double when it’s a surprise thank you.
5) Reciprocate: Anything someone has done for you, you can do, too.
6) Pay it forward: The recipient of your kindness will often be so inspired by your action they will continue the trend.
7) Make cookies: Few people can resist homemade cookies, so mix them up and make someone’s day. Making cookies is my favorite act of gratefulness. It makes me so happy to see how much people like a tasty homemade cookie.
8) Write a poem: How many people get custom-made poetry these days? Not many! It doesn’t need to rhyme or follow rules. It just needs to make them know how awesome they are and how much they’re appreciated.
So here it goes . . .
No matter if you are grateful or thankful, it’s about care.
Care is what we need to share.
No matter which of the above caring actions we choose to do,
It’s the do that we must always pursue.
Doing is what causes the care to come full circle
And allows us to clear all of life’s hurdles.
Be thankful, be grateful, every Turkey Day.
Actually, let’s be so every day no matter what the media say.