Featured photo by João Silas, Brazil
Yes, I’m sure you hear and read about appreciation and gratitude all the time, especially around the holidays. I get it, however, I know how sometimes we have bad days and may take it out on others. We may scream, snap, make rude comments, or roll our eyes– after all we are human, right?
Each day is precious and every minute spent living is an opportunity to express appreciation and gratitude. Whether it is ensuring that someone knows that they are special in your life, or simply taking time to appreciate the little things around you, everyone should make it a goal to show gratitude every day.
Think back and reflect on all of the times somebody was good to you. Maybe the door was held open for you, maybe someone bought you a coffee, or paid for your toll on the highway.
Maybe you had help with a flat tire. Maybe somebody gave you a smile in the elevator. Maybe someone simply said, “have a great day Ma’am.”
I soak up these moments since, unfortunately, we don’t experience them too often. Because of this, I make sure to practice daily gratitude and show my appreciation to those I encounter. I thrive of bringing smiles to others’ faces and am motivated to make somebody’s day a little lighter, happier, more joyful, and pleasant.
What about you? how to do you serve others? Or I ask boldly, is it all about you?
Here are a few simple ways that you should show appreciation each day:
- Remember The Little Things
You would be surprised how many individuals would appreciate a co-worker, colleague, or friend who simply remembers important dates in their lives. While that is not a direct expression of gratitude, people will know you appreciate them if you take the time to learn their birthdays or anniversaries and go out of your way to acknowledge it.
Next is saying “please” and “ thank you.” We’ve all been taught those from childhood. While saying “thank you” may seem too simple to be included in a Top 5 list, it is the preferred method of expressing gratitude. Many arguments have been solved and feelings kept intact because one side of the relationship simply said “thank you” for a good deed or a minor show of good faith.
I always say thank you to my husband for his hard work helping with the kids or helping me with an annoying chore like taking out the garbage. I ask, he helps, and I say thank you. I never order him around because that behavior and tone is not acceptable in my home. The best is when I come home from a work trip or girlfriends’ getaway, and I thank him for our teamwork in making those possible.
2. Go Out Of Your Way To Help
Helping people just because you can is a lost art. One of my favorite things to do is simply assist a friend with with a task. It doesn’t have to be a huge commitment or cost money. Think about it. These are your friends. The easiest way to convey gratitude to them is to help them in times of need.
In a similar light, you truly never know when someone is having a hard day. A simple gesture like going out of your way to make someone’s life easier is one of the easiest ways to make their bad day turn around. Our lives are challenging, this journey is tough, and if I can make somebody’s day a little easier, I’m all in.
3. Be Positive
Sometimes being positive is one of the most difficult things to maintain throughout the course of a day. Life throws curveballs at us pretty much daily, if not hourly; however, possessing positive attitude is a subtle way to appreciate all of the unique experiences within the day. Positivity is also contagious. By limiting complaints and taking bad situations in stride, you have the opportunity to make others around you smile. Like I’ve been saying , for the past decade: Smile to Inspire.
4. Express It Verbally
It may seem simple; however, one of the best ways to show appreciation is to express it verbally. Express your appreciation in words. Let your best friends know just how much that small gesture meant to you.
If you’re on Linkedin and receive an endorsement, say thank you. If you’re a student, tell your professor that the extra five minutes spent after class really helped you learn the material. By allowing someone to hear out loud that you are grateful , you can rest assured that your message comes across loud and clear.
Basically, communicate with people. Just because we have so much that is digital at our fingertips, we shouldn’t lose our communicating skills. It’s even more appreciated these days.
5. Take Time
Appreciation does not always have to be directed at a person. As busy individuals, our lives are in a constant state of motion. By taking time to reflect and acknowledge our gratitude for the environment in which we live, we allow ourselves to breathe.
Slow down.
Count your blessings.
You’ll never realize just how blue the sky seems or how red the roses appear until you take a moment to appreciate the world around you!
Identity Magazine is all about empowering women to get all A’s in the game of life — Accept. Appreciate. Achieve.TM Every contributor and expert answer the Identity 5 questions in keeping with our theme. Their answers can be random and in the moment or they can be aligned with the above article. As a team, we hope to inspire and motivate ourselves and inspire you to get all A’s.
1. What have you accepted within your life, physically and/or mentally? What are you still working on accepting?
I’ve accepted that sometimes we have bad days and have moments of doubts and sadness. It’s okay. I’m human.
2. What have you learn to appreciate about yourself and/or within your life, physically and mentally? What are you still working on to appreciate?
I appreciate my amazing body for being strong and flexible. I appreciate my mind for wanting to be a student for life. I love learning and appreciate that more than ever.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life? What makes YOU most proud? What goals and dreams do you still have?
Being an Amazon Bestseller for my quote book, Get All A’s in the Game of Life: Entrepreneur Edition. We hit bestseller and listed for #1 Gift Ideas and #1 New Releases for over a week!
4. We all have imperfections, so we think. The truth–we are all perfectly imperfect. What are your not-so-perfect ways? What imperfections and quirks create who you are–your Identity?
Ugh, so many, LOL. Sometimes I’m too optimistic it can be annoying to others.
5. “I Love My…” is an outlet for you to express and appreciate all the positive traits that make you…well… YOU! Sharing what you love about yourself will make you smile, feel empowered, and uplift your spirit and soul. (we assure you!) Identity challenges you to complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I love my courage and strength in motherhood, I love how I have the opportunity to spend the days with my twins and I’m extremely grateful for it.
