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This is part six of the Count Your Blessings series.
Catch up on the other parts here:
What a Difference a Bit of Gratitude Makes
Count Your Blessings to Start & End Your Day
Enforce the Gratitude Habit with a Small Gratitude Journal
Use Gratitude Meditations and Affirmations to Boost Your Spirit Anytime
Today’s Challenge–Find Something Random in Your Environment to be Grateful For
We’ve talked about the process of writing in a gratitude journal and the kinds of benefits that activity can offer. Writing is a powerful process. Sharing your written words of appreciation with others can have an even bigger impact than journaling privately. Personal notes can really brighten a person’s day, and the positive vibes are far-reaching. Keep reading to discover why you may want to show your gratitude with words, starting today.
Writing Has Power
In a busy world, we can get caught up in ourselves and the things we absolutely must accomplish each day. Our to-do lists can rule our schedules more than they should. 
It’s easy to forget to acknowledge the important people in our lives. It’s for precisely this reason that receiving a note of thanks or appreciation is so very meaningful. People simply don’t receive these spontaneous offerings on a regular basis. That’s why setting aside the time and taking the effort to write such a message is so powerful, for both you and the receiver.
Sharing Gratitude Strengthens Bonds
A personal note or message goes far to show you care. Words have meaning, but it’s often said that actions speak louder. The recipient of your note will be surprised to receive it. A positive surprise almost always improves someone’s day and mood. This can be especially impactful if you intentionally send your message to someone you know is going through a rough patch. Your note might be the thing that causes the recipient to take a moment for gratitude. Regardless, this small gesture will go far to strengthen existing bonds because it’s such a customized act. When people feel a personal attachment, they tend to experience feelings of closeness and meaning. Your written acknowledgement of their importance in your life will surely affect your relationship in a positive way.
Ideas to Get You Started
Your words of gratitude don’t have to be in hand-written form, though it truly is a nice touch that’s a rarity these days. You can send electronic correspondence, if you prefer. Your message doesn’t have to be long, either. Any written words of appreciation will be a start and can be quite meaningful.
Here are some examples:
- Drop a post-it note of love in your child’s lunchbox
- Slip a little love letter into your significant other’s coat pocket
- Send your colleague an email thanking them for their assistance
- Mail your best friend a funny card with a personal note of appreciation just because
- Text a buddy a note of support on a difficult day
- Give your doctor or other professional a written message of thanks for their service
- Write a letter to a loved one expressing your indebtedness
This is just a short list to spark your own creativity. People from your past, older relatives, neighbors, kids’ teachers and other meaningful people in your life should be considered as recipients for your words of gratitude. If possible, try to take on this practice daily, at least for a while. You’ll see the momentum can lead to some pretty amazing results.
Free Gratitude Journal Page
If you are working to include a little more gratitude in your life, I have created a set of FREE gratitude prompt cards. Each card of these printable cards gives you a prompt to focus your gratitude for the day.
Click here to grab your FREE gratitude prompt cards.