3 Ways to Communicate Thankfulness

Around this time of year, we tend to discuss thankfulness a lot. We can hardly avoid conversations about the things we are thankful for— and rightly so. The whole Thanksgiving season celebrates the opportunities, people and tangible objects in our lives, and helps us remember to count our blessings. But, besides reciting our exhaustive list of blessings, how do we communicate thankfulness this season? Here are a few helpful tips for facilitating grateful attitudes and conversations around and beyond the Thanksgiving dinner table.

1. Thank Others Often

By literally thanking those around you, people will recognize your thankful attitude. But take it a step further, and thank your loved ones for the simple joys that they bring to your life. Thank them for simply being a great friend or confidant, not always for doing something for you. Make sure you also say “thank you” to those who do even the smallest favors for you.

2. Avoid Complaining

Nothing kills a thankful environment faster than someone who complains. Unfortunately, our society has fostered a spirit of complaints in our normal conversation. So, during the Thanksgiving season, try to change the theme and avoid the natural tendency to complain. Besides, if we’re truly thankful for what we have, there isn’t much to complain about.

3. Be Generous

To take the grateful attitude a step further, we can really show how thankful we are for what we have by giving to others. Around the holiday season, plenty of charities have opportunities to give. You could also give of your talents and time by helping others with small or large favors. This takes gratefulness to a new level by giving us an opportunity to prove just how content we are.

Be sure to sprinkle these three grateful habits into your conversation and interaction with family and friends this holiday season. And remember, gratefulness doesn’t have to stop after Thanksgiving. As children of God, we should always make this type of attitude a part of how we live.

- Stephanie Bricker ‘18