How Do I Show Gratitude – PLAYWORKEATREPEAT

Hi friends, and happy Wednesday! It’s time for the November issue Let’s seeand today we’re chatting about how we show gratitude.

The first time I read the prompt quickly, I focused on the word gratitude and thought, oh my gosh, I don’t have a gratitude journal, regular quiet time, or any kind of guided gratitude meditation ritual. Man, I must be the most ungrateful person on the planet!

But then I realized that the question is not about how grateful we are, but about how we do it show be grateful for the little things we do every day. And, of course, the good English student in me (which was always my favorite subject in school) had to look up the definition of grateful just to be sure.

Phew! I realize that I am grateful, and I show it by noticing the little things and taking small actions to make life easier or brighter for those around me. This is how I show gratitude in my world.

Small and Practical Movements

I’m a doer and like doing things to make someone’s day easier. It could be anything, from washing someone’s lunch container that was left in the sink at work (we’re supposed to wash it ourselves) to offering to feed my neighbor’s cat while he’s in Fiji on holiday next week.

humor

If humor was the language of love, it would be mine! I like to laugh, and I like to make other people laugh. Life is too short, and working with children is too difficult to take seriously.

Showing You Care

I think it’s very important to be consistent. Keeping promises, really listening when someone speaks, and showing up when you say you will are ways I try to show gratitude.

Send Thoughtful Texts

I’m not a good card writer, but I do send texts to let someone know I’m thinking of them, to encourage them, or to say thank you for something. It’s a simple way to show that someone notices and cares, and a great way to show gratitude

Random Acts of Kindness

Small, unexpected actions go a long way. Holding doors or letting people cut in front of you while driving (even though they usually don’t say thank you-hehe)

Provide Encouragement and Recognition

It’s important to notice the effort, not just the results, and it’s always a good idea to say it out loud. Something as simple as “I see how hard you worked on that” can really make someone feel seen and appreciated. I’m working on it myself because I have a habit of thinking it, but not actually saying it. I don’t know why people can’t hear my thoughts!

Show Gratitude to Your Family

I’m a big believer in showing gratitude to family, and that should never be taken for granted. I texted my husband and kids to let them know I was thinking about them. Since we all work different schedules and have inconsistent days off, I think it’s important to stay in touch. I learned this from my husband, who is much better at communicating than I am.

I also like to acknowledge the little things my family does, like when someone empties the dishwasher or takes out the trash, without being asked. My children are good eggs, and they deserve thanks.

Gratitude for Myself

In addition to showing gratitude to others, I have also learned to show it to myself. I rewired my brain to be more positive, rested when I needed to, rested, ate well, and noticed the little things I managed to accomplish each day. Off I go!

These are some of the ways I try to show gratitude every day. I’d also like to hear how you do it. It’s amazing how little things can mean so much.

Hooking up with Erika and Shay