Robert Brault, the freelance writer said, "There is no such thing as gratitude unexpressed. If it is unexpressed, it is plain, old-fashioned ingratitude."
If you would like to not only feel appreciation, but show it, consider these actions:
Send a thank you card
Some old rules don't tarnish with age; sending a thank you card or a note after you receive something from someone is not just good etiquette. Think about the last time you got a nice thank you card from someone. Although you almost certainly thought it was nice of the person to send it to you, part of you was also reminded of the good thing you'd done. You genuinely felt good when you read. Maybe you kept it so that you could read it, again. The same thing happens when you take the time to send a thank you card to someone else.
Send an email
Though sending an email is much easier and has less impact, a thoughtful "thank you" will always be appreciated.
Make a phone call
Everyone has their favorite way to communicate. Don't get bogged down in the medium; when you are thankful for someone, tell them.
Pay it back
Be careful when you consider paying someone back. This is tricky territory. If you borrow something, pay it back with a "thank you." If someone does a kindness for you, it is polite to do a kindness in return. Many kind people would not want you to feel indebted simply because they've done you a favor. Be careful not to offend by feeling obligated to return kindness for kindness.
Pay it forward
For a variety of reasons, you may not be able to pay back a kindness done to you. When that's the case, be sure to pay it forward. Do a kindness to someone else who needs it.
Step back
Once in a while, it pays to step back from our hectic, frantic lives to seek a little perspective. If you are grateful for having a home, consider what you can do for the homeless. If you are grateful for having enough to eat, consider what you can do for the hungry. If you are grateful for having warm clothes in the winter, consider what you can do for those who do not.
Don't wait
Don't wait to say "thank you", or to write a note or make a call. Don't delay showing gratitude for a kindness shown to you. Don't pause before you pay it back or pay it forward. Be bold. Do it. Say it. Be it while you feel it.
Though showing our gratitude makes it real, just identifying the things for which we are grateful can change our outlook. Make a list of things you appreciate. Chances are, by the time you've come up with ten items on your list your mood will have improved. Now do something to demonstrate your appreciation and your mood will improve even more.
