The holidays offer the perfect opportunity to give thanks to everyone who makes your life better. But Thanksgiving and Christmas shouldn't be the only times you show love and appreciation for the people and opportunities in your life.
In fact, there are 6 great reasons to be thankful 365 days a year:
1. Unexpected thanks make more of an impact.
Anyone can go around the Thanksgiving table and thank everyone sitting at it. However, if you show someone genuine gratitude on a random day in March, it's going to catch them by surprise. Since it'll be so unexpected, they'll remember it for a long time!
2. It doesn't have to be late.
If someone does something to help you in July, why do you have to wait until Thanksgiving to show your gratitude? Get in the habit of thanking people immediately after they do something for you!
3. You don't want to be lost in the shuffle.
It seems like everyone spends the holiday season showing love and appreciation. It's almost like they're playing "catch-up"! But if you really want to show people you care, thank them throughout the year. That way, your gratitude will stand out.
4. You can cut down on your list.
Santa isn't the only one making a list during the holiday season. If you're like most people, you've got a list of people you need to thank. But instead of giving everyone a general "thank you", why not thank them all year long? That way, you can give each one of them more personalized attention.
You should have no problem coming up with people to thank on a weekly - or even daily - basis. Of course, thanking family and friends for being there for you is obvious. But there are some other not-so-obvious people you can take time out to thank, like:
• The people who deliver your mail and newspaper.
• The people who keep your community safe, like police officers and fire fighters.
• The teachers and teachers' aides who educate your children.
• The doctors and nurses who keep your family healthy.
• The business contacts who make your job easier.
5. You can be more creative.
When you're sitting around the Thanksgiving dinner table, it's hard to get creative with your thank you's. If you really want your appreciation to be heartfelt, try sending a handwritten note, having a face-to-face conversation over a cup of coffee, or getting a simple gift (the emphasis here is on "simple". If you buy something too extravagant, it'll look like you're trying to out-do the other person!).
6. It's good for you too.
The more thanks you hand out, the happier you'll feel. There are even studies that prove a simple "thank you" can lower your stress level and boost your immune system!
Bottom line - the best way to give thanks is to do it all year long!
Wallace D. Wattles wrote extensively on the subject of gratitude in his The Science of... series, which included The Science of Getting Rich, The Science of Being Well, and The Science of Being Great. Click or tap the links below to get your copy today.
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Common sense isn't it? But we're all so lacking in it :)
I really believe gratitude does manifest itself physically in very beneficial ways.
Thanks for this Holiday/year 'round advice.
Posted by: John Platania | 11/25/2013 at 11:02 AM
You're welcome. Thanks for your comment!
Posted by: Tony Mase | 11/26/2013 at 10:17 AM
I've been on your list for a number of years but had lost touch due to changes in email providers.
I thank you for continuing to deliver positive content.
Posted by: Jen | 12/01/2013 at 01:33 AM
You're welcome. Glad we're back in touch. Thank you for your comment!
Posted by: Tony Mase | 12/02/2013 at 10:09 AM