Giving Thanks

By Terri Clement

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There is a great quote by Ralph H. Blum. "There is a calmness to a life lived in gratitude, a quiet joy."

That quote leads to my belief that giving thanks and expressing gratitude should not be a one day a year activity. These should be things that we put into daily practice. When we take on the habit of expressing appreciation, we start a cycle that brings good things to us. Who doesn't want a better life, health, relationship, and more money? It is possible to usher these things into your life, by taking the time to express gratitude. 

Are you looking for ways to express gratitude and appreciation? Here are just a couple of ideas that can work into a daily routine. 

Create and write in a Gratitude Journal every day. A simple one-line sentence or a detailed page or two. Spend a few minutes each day focused on what you have to be grateful for, write it down. This journal, over time, will become an amazing tool for you. When you are having an off day, pull out your Gratitude Journal and spend some time reading your previous entries.

The best and most beautiful things in this world cannot be seen or even heard, but must be felt with the heart.” - Helen Keller


Perform Random Acts of Kindness (RAK) or Pay It Forward. Pay for a coffee for the person behind you line or maybe pay the toll for the driver behind you on a toll road. Practicing RAK has been around for quite a while, but it's nice to be reminded from time to time. The idea here is to keep it anonymous and NOT to expect a thank you or anything in return.

Kindness, like a boomerang, always returns.” - Author Unknown

Send a “thank you” note. Remember when you were little, and your mother made you write "thank you" notes? Just saying thank you for something specific that someone has done for you can go a long way. Even a thank you "text" could mean the world to someone. Think about the last time someone expressed their appreciation for something you did for them. Remember how it made you feel? Share that feeling with someone else by sending a "thank you" note. 

Express gratitude for the negative things that happen in life. I know this sounds crazy, but sometimes we have to face challenges or we will not grow. Be thankful for the opportunity to learn new things and face challenges head-on. 

Surprise someone. Put a note in your child's or partner's lunch box. Clean your parent's car. Make dinner when not expected. Do the dishes after someone else has cooked you a meal. These are simple but can create a huge impact. These are just a couple of ideas. I hope that they will inspire you to express gratitude and appreciation every day of the year, not only on Thanksgiving. 


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