Gratitude is defined by the Merriam-Webster dictionary as ‘the state of being grateful, thankfulness’. Many people fail to understand how gratitude can change a life and alter one’s perception for the good. A life without gratitude is often an unhappy, unfilled life. Putting a little gratitude in your daily life is a first-step to achieving many of your hopes, your dreams, your goals.

The thing with gratitude is that it actually helps you way more than the person you’re showing gratitude towards. When you feel thankful, grateful, and content in your own life and in your own experiences then you will find that want less. You’ll find that you’re actually more satisfied with where you are and with what you already have in life.

Showing gratitude is much more than a simple ‘thanks’ without further thought. To improve the quality of your life and the life of others, it is important to show true gratitude for the things you are grateful for so here are 34 ways you can up the ante and let people in your life know just how much you appreciate them and how to grateful in your daily life.

29 Ways to Show Gratitude and Instantly Have a Better Life…

First and foremost

Say you’re sorry

No matter how mad you get or how right you are, be willing to say you are sorry to those you truly love and appreciate. Be willing to compromise in life. There’s a saying that goes, “You can either be right or you can be happy.”

1. Be an active listener

Show you gratitude to others by really listening to what they have to say.

2. Give out compliments

Make someone’s day by giving out compliments on little things like a great shirt, a nice smile, or on a job well done.

3. Make eye contact

When interacting with people, make eye contact and show you are really present in the conversation.

4. Give a detailed example of appreciation

Let someone know exactly why you are grateful to have them in your life by citing an example of things they have done or said on your behalf.

5. Be thoughtful of others

While you must take care of you, it is important to also think of others first. Consider someone else’s feelings with every action and word.

6. Volunteer for unpleasant tasks

Offer to do a chore or errand. By doing these tasks for someone you make their day easier.
7. Give a hug

Make a true connection with those you love and are grateful to have in your life by giving hugs when greeting, saying goodbye, or saying thanks.

8. Just be there

Spend time with others especially during difficult times and just be there without your phone and other distractions.

9. Be gracious when challenged

When someone challenges your actions or words, still show grace by listening to what they say and being polite. You never really know what someone else might be going through so don’t take their actions personally and show them kindness (even if it’s really hard to do).

10. Offer congratulations

When someone you know is celebrating an achievement, offer your sincere congratulations even if you are not the winner.

11. Show off their gifts

When someone is gracious enough to give you a gift make sure you wear the clothes in their presence, display their craft on your desk, or make it known you appreciate the gift by using it.

12. Share their joys

Celebrate other’s joys as if they were your own.

13. Be patient

Patience is not everyone’s virtue but give it your best effort to remain patient with those you love and remember that everyone has their own struggles.

14. Share their praise

When you are on the receiving end of great service or fine hospitality let others know about the job well done such as telling supervisors about the excellent service your wait staff provided.

15. Select small, thoughtful gifts

When you are out and about, select a few small but thoughtful gifts for those you love just to show you are thinking about them.

16. Write handwritten notes of thanks

When you receive a gift, handwrite a thank you note that mentions the gift you received and your appreciation.

17. Handwrite ‘thinking of you letters’

Forget emails when sending personal sentiments that lets loved ones know you are thinking of them.

18. Handwrite letters of encouragement

Skip the texts. When family and friends are having a rough time, handwrite letters of encouragement and inspiration or, give them a call and let them get it all out.

19. Journal your blessings

Take a few moments each night before bed to write down the things you appreciated throughout the day. It can be a wonderful way to reflect on how far you’ve come over the years.

20. Be a support system

When people are in need, step up to be the go-to person they can rely on for support regardless of your differences.

21. Share your talents

If you are a whiz at scrapbooking, money management, or resume writing, share your talents with those in need.

22. Perform a random act of kindness

Kindness is still very much appreciated in the world today so perform a random kindness for those you love or a total stranger without looking for praise such as buying a homeless person lunch.

23. Pay it forward

When you order a coffee, pay for the person behind you. When you are at the drive through, pay an extra $5 for the next person in line. Drop a few extra coins in the toll booth on your travels.

24. Tip well for good service

When you receive good service, be sure to offer a good tip that shows those in the service industry how much they are appreciated. It is often a low-paying, unappreciated job others continue to do.

25. Donate to charity

Skip a pedicure and allocate that money to a charity in your local community.

26. Volunteer your time

Spend a few hours at a food bank, an animal shelter, or your church helping others. Sharing your time with those in need can help put your own life into perspective.

27. Host a gathering for your dearest friends

For no reason at all, host a gathering of your nearest and dearest as a way to say thank you for all they’ve done.

28. Help a stranger in need

While more risky now than in decades past, helping a stranger can certainly make you feel great. If you can’t change a flat tire, at least hang out nearby until the tow truck arrives. If you pick a “weird vibe” or anything else that makes you funny, trust your gut and get outta there. You can always show gratitude later that day.

29. Share your material possessions

Don’t be stingy with the things you do have. Be willing to share your possessions with those you love and those that are not as fortunate.

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