Be the good you wish to see in the world…
When you practice gratitude, you get to enjoy the benefits of reliving the positivity in your mind and you get to spread the gratitude to those around you through your actions. The best part of practicing gratitude is that there are so many ways to do so. Here are some simple ways to practice that you can start today. What will you choose?
- Send a card: thank you note, congratulations, thinking of you, get well soon, happy birthday
- Donate to a cause or company that you believe in
- Volunteer locally: homeless shelter, humane society, read to the blind
- Write in your gratitude journal
- Accept compliments graciously and give compliments genuinely
- Talk about what you are grateful for with family and friends
- Give a generous tip for outstanding service
- Be present—get out of your head and practice gratitude by valuing the moment you’re living right now
- Give a gift, send a gift, hand-make a gift
- Write a positive public review
- Always say please and thank you
- Pay it forward by giving out the kindness you received to someone else and pass on the gratitude
- Call your parents (remember, they gave you life)
- Pick up the bill when you’re out with people you care about
- Randomly pay for a stranger’s meal or drink
- Text someone a personal note of appreciation out of the blue,
- Honor the success of others as you do your own successes,
- Go the extra mile.
I think I’m going to send a card to a friend and randomly pay for a stranger’s drink. What will you do to pay it forward? Showing gratitude can really make someone’s day and restore their faith in humanity. A few months ago, I was at Starbucks and the person in front of me paid for my drink without my knowledge. When I went to the register and the barista told me that it was already paid for, I felt a deep appreciation and warmth toward this perfect stranger. Unfortunately, I was never able to thank them as I found out too late, but it sure made my day. I felt that there truly were decent individuals in this world and I try to remind myself of that whenever I’m having an off day.
