9 Ways to Practice Gratitude
/This post is going to be short but sweet. Gratitude is usually the word of the month when it comes to November and I’m all about practicing it. However, I wanted to give you some non-conventional ways to show others gratitude and encourage you to not forget about them after the holidays are over. Be sure to practice gratitude daily and I promise you will find more happiness in your life.
Random Act of Kindness: There are so many ways that you can do this. The classic pay for the person behind you in line’s drink and so much more. But the reason I’m listing it is to remind you that practicing gratitude can also mean helping people you don’t know.
Send Virtual Goodies through Venmo: This is one I do all the time to friends. I send money for drinks, coffees, donuts, etc. It’s my favorite way to surprise friends that don’t live close by. Tell them that you love them and that it’s specifically for a donut.
Write a special person a long hand written note: When was the last time you wrote a hand written letter to someone just because? We don’t do it enough, but it’s so special to get one of these randomly.
In difficult situations where somebody wrongs you, remain grateful that you know not to treat people that way: This is a tactic I use more than I wish I had to, but it’s my way of changing my perspective in situations when people treat me unfairly. You CANNOT control other people’s actions. But you can control your gratitude for yourself and being able to be the bigger person. You’d be surprised how quickly you feel better when you are grateful that you are the person being wronged and not doing the wronging.
Look in the mirror and spend 5 minutes thanking yourself: You have so many qualities that make you, YOU! All of your talents, quirks, skills, passions, beauty and more should be appreciated by you. Take the time to be grateful for the strength of your body or your ability to empathize with others, etc.
Cook someone dinner/drop a meal off at someone’s house: This one is really important for those people in your lives who have a lot on their plates. Whether they are sick, have a new baby, just moved, or simply have a lot going on and feel overwhelmed, you never know how a meal could change their attitude that day. Be sure to throw in a note about how grateful you are for them. If they live out of town, send the money through Venmo like I mentioned earlier. Seriously, Venmo is a great tool that is for more than just splitting the drink bill at brunch.
Leave a present on the doorstep of a family member/friend: Play some adult ding dong ditch and leave people presents! This is so easy and it doesn’t have to be a something huge. Just surprise friends at random times.
Gratitude Journal/5 Min Journal App: This one is really important to try if you’re trying to incorporate gratitude on a daily basis. The 5 Min Journal is great for spending a few moments each morning and night in self reflection. They also have an app if you prefer it on your phone. You don’t need a fancy notebook though if you don’t want to spend money. Simply find an old notebook and start jotting down what you’re grateful for every day and you’d be surprised how much it can change you.
Compliment random strangers more: This is one I try to do as much as I can. When I see something I like, I tell a stranger. It cost $0 to compliment someone you don’t know, but it could mean the world to them that someone noticed it and interacted with them. You never know what someone is going through and you could be just the smile they need to be propelled in a positive direction.
Spread kindness. Practice Gratitude. Be a decent human being. It costs no money, but can be the difference between someone having a great day or a bad one. The choice is yours!
Have a wonderful day and don’t forget…
I am grateful for you.
-Andrea
