“Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.” This quote from acclaimed poet Maya Angelou illustrates why it’s so important to express our thankfulness. Too often, in the busyness of daily life, we take others’ kindness for granted. How can you recognize those who have made your life better? We all know how to show appreciation, but most of us don’t do it quite as often or as well as we should. Scroll down to review why it’s so important to show your appreciation and the many different options you have when you want to do it.
Why Is Showing Appreciation Important?
When someone does something nice for you, it’s only natural to want to thank them for it. However, the benefits of showing appreciation to someone go far beyond a simple act of gratitude. Showing appreciation for the essential people in your life is vital to creating and maintaining relationships with them:
- Showing appreciation to others activates the gratitude circuit in your brain, which produces dopamine to elevate your mood and help you form social bonds.
- People want and need to be appreciated by their peers. Regularly showing appreciation to the people who improve your life is a great way to deepen your relationships with those who matter most to you.
- Taking time to show your appreciation to others can prompt you to consider what you should be grateful for. This can force you to focus on the positive things in your life instead of negativity, leading to a better perspective and more overall satisfaction with life.
Expressing Appreciation in Different Ways
There isn’t just one way to express your appreciation for others. It’s a good idea to make sure how you express your appreciation is personal and authentic to you. If you’re looking for some unique ways to show someone you appreciate them, try the following techniques:
- Make a point of being present with your friends and loved ones. Be an active listener, and avoid distractions like cell phones. Make it clear that your loved ones are your priority!
- Little gestures can go a long way. Bringing a loved one a cup of coffee during a stressful day or texting them a quick joke to lighten the mood can show them that you care.
- Be specific when expressing appreciation. Avoid generalities and tell them precisely what you appreciate about their words or actions. They’ll feel seen and understood.
- Sometimes, asking someone what makes them feel seen and appreciated is helpful. The Five Love Languages can provide a valuable framework for determining what words and actions mean the most to someone when you express your gratitude.
- Practice identifying opportunities to express your appreciation for others with a gratitude journal. Stopping to note what you are thankful for regularly can also help you recognize opportunities to express appreciation to others.
- Are you a crafty person? A handmade gift can mean a lot to someone who loves you. Even if it isn’t perfect, they’ll love it if it comes from the heart.
- The easiest way to show someone you appreciate them is to be a reliable fixture in their life. Show up on time, do what you say you will do, and offer help or comfort when they need it. If you show them that they can count on you, they’ll feel appreciated.
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Now that you know how to express appreciation, do you know anybody who deserves extra recognition? Choose one of the options above, and let them know exactly how much they mean to you.
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