​Ways to Express Gratitude

It seems silly but it typically takes something ending – in this case the calendar year – for us to reflect on the many blessings in our lives.
 
Being thankful for all that we have in life is a common theme of the holidays, but expressing gratitude should be a year-round practice. We are often consumed by planning and preparing for what lies ahead, or focusing on all that we don’t have or what goes wrong, that we forget to appreciate the simple things in life. Like the clean sheets you sleep in, a simple meal on the table and friends and family to enjoy it with.
 
The practice of being grateful has been connected with living a long life and also contributes to the well-being of those around you. As we head into 2017, focus on appreciating all that you have and try to weave this practice into your daily routine.
 
Here are some of our favorite ways to express gratitude. You’ll be thankful you did!

• Start your day by giving your partner/child/roommate a hug!
• Send a text to a friend about how much you appreciate them.
• Gather belongings that you don’t use – such as clothes, food, household items – and bring them to a local shelter.
• Compliment a co-worker on a job well done.
• Spend a quiet moment during your car ride – especially during rush hour traffic! –  and think of one thing you have to be grateful for.
• Send a bit of aloha via snail mail to a friend or loved one who lives away from home.

• Start your next family dinner by sharing what you’re thankful for that day and then go around the table.

 
What’s YOUR favorite way to express gratitude?