We constantly hear how important it is to be grateful, to express thanks, and to let others know how much we appreciate them, but how often are we really tending to the moment-to-moment practice of our gratitude?

Today, I’m excited to share with you 3 special ways to express gratitude in very simple and accessible ways. 

Three Wonderful Things

In the Certification course I recently completed through the University of Pennsylvania, one of the most impactful practices that was shown to increase well-being was expressing Three Wonderful Things that happened that day, how each came to be, and what you are most grateful for about each blessing. I’ve found the best way to record these reflections is as part of a journaling practice in the evening, but you can experiment and find what works for you. Typically, a new practice like this will be much easier to maintain if you add it onto something you’re already doing habitually on a daily basis!

Gratitude Cards 

Send thank-you notes – handwritten, or via Paperless Post (www.paperlesspost.com). I recently set the intention of sending out handwritten thank-you cards via snail mail but realized that my aversion to standing in the post office line was preventing me from taking action in actually writing and sending them! I discovered a beautiful template for a thank you card from Rifle Paper Co. on Paperless Post, and decided to send a round to all of the guests that I’ve had on my podcast for the upcoming season! It was super easy because the delivery is gorgeous, and it still holds that element of surprise and delight for the recipient and creativity for the sender. Also, the gratitude feels amplified when your recipients respond virtually with a thank you or a little personal note in return! 

Eye Contact & Verbal Thanks 

This practice is more of an intentional, present-moment experience of awareness for those around us. Try this: everywhere you go for the next two full days, everytime you say “thank you,” take a breath, make eye contact with the person, and really deeply and authentically EXPRESS your “thank you,” instead of making it a formality to just fly through before you’re on to the next thing. Bonus points if you also share a kind reflection with the person who did something kind for you, or let them know why it was so meaningful or supportive that they did that thing for you.

What are your favorite ways to express gratitude?

I’d love to hear from you in the comments so we can share and swap ideas to deepen and express our gratitude! 

Love + Light, 

Emily