Have you ever had that one person in your life who has always been genuinely kind to you? Maybe it’s your family, a neighbor, a gym buddy, an officemate, or sometimes, just a random stranger. It could be anyone around you. In this world where bad news is all over the news, I believe there is still that one person who can still show kindness to anyone. It does not have to be grand, even a simple act of kindness can make a BIG change, maybe not to the world, but maybe to someone else’ s life. “Studies have found that gratitude interventions such as keeping a gratitude diary or reflecting on positive daily events can facilitate social well-being.,” says Mark Travers Ph.D.
Whenever we meet someone who shows us a random act of kindness, some people cannot help but think of ways on how to reciprocate it. And sometimes, we find ourselves lost for ideas. We want to show them gratitude, but we just don’t know how.
There are actually a lot of ways to show gratitude and appreciation. These things do not always have to be magnificent and monumental. You can give or do something for those people you feel grateful for something simple, yet personal.
To give you an idea on how to show gratitude, below are the list of the things you can do:
Make a Letter
A handwritten note or letter goes a long way. According to Amie M. Gordon, Ph.D., “People consistently get a mood boost when writing gratitude letters.” Don’t be bothered by your bad handwriting; what’s more important is the effort that you put into it and your sincerity, as well. With technologically advanced gadgets, you will seldom find someone who will write you a letter. With all the devices that made our life easier and faster, many will find writing a letter a strenuous activity. So, writing even just a simple thank you note or letter makes it just more personal says most thank you therapy experts. The person whom you will give it to will surely appreciate the gesture.
Spend Quality Time with Them
Sometimes the best way to show someone how much you value or appreciate them is by simply spending time with that person. It only shows that you want to be with them. Think about this, you are actually spending your well-deserved vacation leave or maybe your most awaited weekend after a long week at work with this person. A lot of people value the quality of time you share with them, and that is one way to thank that person even without you saying it.
Maybe, you can also help back in return? Help out that person in any way you can especially when he needs it the most. Or maybe you can offer help, like perform simple house chores or assist in house celebrations.
Just Say It!
When someone makes you feel good or does something nice for you, you always say “Thank You!”. Be sincere and thankful that someone, a much better way to say it is to be specific like “Thank You for helping me out today, without your help, I don’t think I could’ve done it.“ and end it with your big bright smile.
Give a Gift
Okay, giving gifts doesn’t have to be expensive. A simple token of appreciation is good enough. It is just your simple way of showing how grateful you are to that person. A gift may also mean cooking for them. Try to cook their favorite dish or dessert, maybe? Well, if you do not have the magical talent in cooking, just buy burgers or cake on your way to that person. They will still appreciate it because you remembered.
Treat Them
If your budget can afford it, why not treat that person for a pedicure or maybe, a body massage? If you do not want to spend, you can also treat them by doing things for them that you know very well they hate to do. They will surely be grateful. You can also think of inviting them to a place or something they always wanted to see, yet they do not have time or money for it. These are just one of the many things you can do to show people how you appreciate and value them. It will make them feel important and empowered. Reciprocating kindness for one person at a time can make a difference in the world. It may not seem to look that much, but someday it will be.
“Gratitude is an emotion similar to appreciation, and positive psychology research has found neurological reasons why so many people can benefit from this general practice of expressing thanks for our lives, even in times of challenge and change,” says Courtney E. Ackerman, MSc.