Ways to Express Gratitude

Thanksgiving is this month, so to help you get into the spirit of being thankful, our Collegiate Communities Blog is sharing suggestions for ways to express your gratitude.

 

Say Thank You

It may seem small, but saying “thank you” is important. The act of verbally thanking someone doesn’t take very much effort, but hearing those two simple words might just make that someone’s day because it shows that you acknowledge their work and appreciate them.

 

Send a Letter

Maybe you are far away from someone, but you want them to know how much they mean to you. Writing and sending a letter takes much more time than simply saying the words “thank you”, but a written letter of gratitude can be cherished for a lifetime and re-read again and again when that person might be feeling down.

 

Be Positive

If you have a positive outlook on life, odds are you probably tend to be a grateful person. People who are grateful acknowledge the good things in their life and are generally happier than those who don’t. When you are positive, others will be drawn to you and lasting relationships will occur more naturally.

 

Keep a Gratitude Journal

Keeping a journal in which you write down good things that happen, things you are grateful for, and why you are grateful for all things will help you to become more positive. By searching for things to be grateful for, you are challenging your brain and changing your perspective on life. Force yourself to think hard and reflect on what it is about your blessings that make them special and the difference they have made in your life.

 

Stop Complaining

You know those people who can always find something to complain about? Don’t be one of those people. Complaining puts a damper on your relationships, your experiences, and your outlook on life. Choose instead to appreciate relationships, the world, and your opportunities to connect with others on a deeper level by opting to appreciate rather than complain so much.

 

How do you express your gratitude? Share your ideas with us so we can all be inspired to be more grateful. Thanks for reading our post. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving and a delightful holiday season in your apartment here in West Lafayette, IN, or wherever you may be!