Expressing gratitude
This can be done in many ways but one approach may take you back to your childhood, when after Christmas or a birthday you sat down to write your thank you letters.
As well as being a nice thing to do, gratitude letters have all sorts of positive impacts on you and the person you are thanking. Especially when you are thanking them for some that isn’t just a gift (although we all love gifts).
The most powerful gratitude letters are when we are thanking a person for something specific they have done for you or for having supported you in some way. Think about the teacher who gave you the kick up the butt you needed or the friend who was there for you when you weren’t in a great place.
So, find yourself a quiet spot. Get a pen and sheet of paper and sit down and write a thank you letter to that person you may not have had a chance to thank properly.
Some tips to get you started…
Address them directly
Be specific about what they did, why you are grateful and how this person’s behaviours affected your life.
Describe what you are doing in your life now and how often you think of their actions.
The simple act or writing the letter can boost your experience of positive emotion.
To super charge that feeling…
Post them the letter or better still arrange a visit to that person to read the letter to them. You might find it emotional to share this with them but the long term benefits are undeniable.
