Gratitude is a state of thankfulness for anything you receive, whether it is tangible or intangible. Tangible things you receive can include money, perfume, a computer, or anything you can touch; intangible gifts include acknowledgment, words of affirmation, the time you spend together, or anything a person values that you can’t touch.
It makes you appreciate the things and people you have in your life. When you become grateful, you make the people around you aware of their value and impact. You also become aware of what you have in life. Gratefulness is a gift that gives back.
The Impact of Gratitude
Gratitude is a simple concept that people typically understate. Some think people can feel gratitude in their hearts without expressing it; this is usually incorrect. Sometimes, people forget actually to feel gratitude for what they have received or accomplished; they focus more on what they don’t have than what they do have.
Missing the opportunity to show gratitude to the people around you is something you may regret in the future, and being blind to the blessings you have in your life will make you miss out on happiness.
When you experience gratitude, you feel good, but more importantly, you recognize that the feeling comes from something outside yourself. That recognition helps you connect with something larger than yourself, whether it is a community, nature, or a higher power.
Gratefulness is more than a “thank you;” it shows meaning and intent. It doesn’t have to be something grand to be impactful; it can be in small statements or gestures. Grand gestures have their moment, but small gestures are something you can practice daily, and they can significantly impact you and the people around you. Some of these small gestures include:
- Actually Listen
Everyone has a voice, perspective, idea, experience, and emotion that they need to express. When you take the time to hear someone express themselves, they will feel seen. Being an active listener is a simple and effective way to make someone feel like they matter. Active listening means you become a recipient of what the other person is saying; if you have to speak, it’s to understand or acknowledge what they are telling you.
You will also gain from being an active listener. It will help you hear what it’s like to be in someone else’s shoes. When you see life from a different viewpoint, you gain more wisdom about how people think and how the world works.
- Give Without Receiving
A gift shows people that you care and are thinking about them. The gift has to mean something to the receiver, so think about what they need or like. Extravagant gifts are lovely, but they don’t have to be the only gifts you give.
You can get something inexpensive or even free. You can gift someone a small souvenir, lunch, or your time. The receiver will appreciate the gift as long as there is thought behind it. As you give people thoughtful gifts, they will, in turn, return the favor with thoughtful gifts to people, including yourself. Not only will you create a circle of gift-giving, but you will find yourself showered with gifts from your circle of friends and family.
No two people are the same, so when you express gratitude, you may have to remember that. What one person likes may not be what the next person likes. So it would help if you took the time to understand what each person in your life appreciates. For example, a person who likes food would love lunch at a unique restaurant, an outdoors person would appreciate camping gear, and a fashionista would naturally appreciate a great pair of eyeglasses.
- Say Thank You for the Small Things
Your mind is a powerful tool that can give you happiness and strength even in adversity. Being grateful for the small and big things in your life will help you become aware of how many good things you have in your life.
So instead of being miserable about waking up early in the morning, be grateful that you have a job. Washing dishes may not be fun, but it’s great that you have food and people to share a meal with. Your sports team may be on a losing streak, but at least you have a fun activity you can enjoy with your friends. Make a conscious effort to say “thank you” and remember to say it consistently. Consistency is essential so that it becomes sincere.
Show Gratitude and Live Positively
Gratitude is essential because it improves your mental and physical health. It also helps you connect better with people and build stronger relationships. All of which are necessary for building positive emotions and handling the stress that comes with everyday life.