With Halloween over, and the calendar already reading November, Thanksgiving and the winter holidays are right around the corner. This time is often full of the words gratitude and reflection, reminding us to be thankful for what we have. However, there’s more to gratitude than just saying thanks to the people and things that have an impact on your life.
What is Gratitude?
The meaning of gratitude, which people usually think of first, is the quality of being thankful. But in the actual definition of the word, it explains a second part of gratitude: willingly showing appreciation and returning kindness to the people/things you’re thankful for. This means, to fully participate in the gratitude process that comes with Thanksgiving and the holidays, you need to be thinking about the people you care about and showing your appreciation for them. How can you show your gratitude?
Actions Speak Louder than Words.
How many times have the words “Let’s go around and say what we’re thankful for” been said at your Thanksgiving dinner table? For me, it’s too many to count. This may work for occasions or objects that you’re thankful for, but the people who make a difference in your life deserve more. While the sentiment is there, just listing off all the things you’re thankful for doesn’t always do the trick for fully showing gratitude. Instead, try actually doing things to show the person you’re grateful and that you care.
It’s the Little Things that Count!
When it comes to showing your gratitude, start small by performing kind acts for the people you care about. This could mean going out of your way to spend time with the people doing something you know they care about, even if it’s something you don’t really enjoy. Another idea would be to bake one of their favorite treats or bring them dinner from a favorite restaurant.
Also, for your parents or siblings, especially, offer to do things around the house that you know are usually a hassle for them. Maybe even offer to take over some of your siblings’ chores for a day.
Even just being more consistent with checking in on the people around you can show how much you care. Ask them how their day is going and show them you actually want to know and listen to their honest answer.
None of these is overly complicated, but they can all go a long way toward showing you care.
Take it Beyond Just This Season.
Showing this kind of love and gratitude doesn’t have to be limited to Thanksgiving or the Holidays. In fact, we all need to take a little more time to reflect and be thankful for more than just the two most festive months of the year. In the same way, also take the time to do little things for the people you care about throughout the year because everyone needs to feel loved and appreciated for all they do.
