Did you know that expressing gratitude not only makes the recipient feel appreciated, but it can also make you happier?

I’ve been thinking about the concept of gratitude and thankfulness a lot lately, and with Thanksgiving fast approaching, I’m sure it’s on a lot of other minds in the U.S. When you express gratitude, you acknowledge the goodness in your life. It helps you connect to something larger than yourself, whether it’s other people, nature, or the world as a whole. It elevates the human experience. 

Gratitude for yourself and others brings both bliss and balance into your life, which in turn improves every other area of life, including business. There are many ways to express gratitude in your life, both big and small. 

Say thank you

Raises and promotions are significant, but what your team really wants is recognition for the work they do. It’s important to appreciate the big things AND little things. A simple thank you is the easiest way to recognize your staff’s hard work and yet possibly the most powerful way to express gratitude. Thank you can easily change a negative moment into a positive one.

Appreciate the individual

Everyone is different, and each of us has a different way of feeling appreciated. Some of us thrive on words of encouragement and praise, while others prefer receiving gifts. Get to know people and look for ways to express gratitude in a way that connects with each individual person.

Give gifts from the heart

Gifts don’t have to cost a lot of money. In fact, giving gifts from the heart, even (especially) handmade ones, can mean more to an individual than material gifts. It could be something as simple as a handwritten note, an intimate dinner at your house, or even just quality time with someone.  

Gratitude for yourself and others is important when achieving balance in your life. Listen to my podcast episode B3 Breaks (B3 = Business, Balance & Bliss): Gratitude to learn how to embrace the feeling of gratitude and take small breaks in your day to re-shift your energy to show up in the way that you want for yourself and the people around you.