National Thank You Month is observed every January, giving people the opportunity to express their gratitude to those who have helped them. Gratitude is an expression of positivity. It works in two ways: You’ll feel happier because you are showing gratitude, and the giver will feel satisfied knowing that they have blessed your life. Both the giver and receiver of thanks often feel more motivated to help others in the future.
There are a number of ways to express gratitude:
- Send a thank you note. It only takes a minute to write a brief thank you card, expressing your appreciation for the actions of others. Everyone loves to get snail mail. A gracious thank you card in the mailbox can brighten someone’s day.
- Lend assistance. Reciprocate kind acts. Look for ways to return the favors of those who have served you. If a neighbor was kind enough to keep an eye on your home while you were out of town, try raking their leaves in fall or bringing in their trash cans.
- Give a present. You can acknowledge the kind deeds of others with a modest thank you gift. You don’t have to spend a fortune. Something as simple as a plate of cookies will help people know how much you appreciate their efforts on your behalf.
If you have received assistance in the wake of a calamity, you may feel especially beholding to those who have helped you in a time of need. Even though there may be no adequate way to repay people’s efforts, you can always reward kind works by paying them forward. Keep an eye out for ways that you can show kindness to those around you who are in need. You can donate funds or clothing or food items through the American Red Cross. You can also help with disaster cleanup. Any efforts you make can go a long way in assisting those who are reeling from the effects of disasters.
