GRATITUDE CARDS – WHERE TO BEGIN

Tips for finding words to express your noteworthy gratitude

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We learn pretty early in our lives to have good manners — to offer a smile and say “thank you” for a door held open, a treat, or a gift.

Expressing gratitude asks us to dig a little deeper. It asks us to notice, appreciate, and reflect on the people who bring kindness and joy to our lives. It may take some practice. Maybe lots of it. Putting your heart on paper for someone is a nice place to start.

BEFORE YOU WRITE

So where do you begin with this beautiful, and very blank card? How do you decide the who and the why for expressing gratitude?

We have a little assignment to help. So, get comfy and settle in. Have paper handy and a pencil (or a pretty gel pen if you’re fancy).

Now ask yourself:  

• What makes a happy and meaningful life? 
• Who are the people that support and inspire me to grow and cultivate that life?

Big and important questions, right? Journal or outline your thoughts. Reflect on the people who are your foundation, who you admire, who inspire you, and who are your continual support in creating your version of the best life. Are you smiling a little to yourself? You’ve likely answered the “who” and “why” questions behind your first gratitude card. Now, it’s time to write.

The idea is to write it so that people hear it and it slides through the brain and goes straight to the heart.

Maya Angelou

Eloquent prose may be in some of our tool kits, but it is not required for a gratitude card. Any words you choose with intention will be enough. Expressing to someone that they are valued – that their presence is felt in your life – will be more than enough. Be your authentic, sincere, and true self.

Gratitude = Kindness + Appreciation + Reflection

Dear Friend,

I have been thinking a lot about how much you mean to me. Your unwavering support and kindness gave me the confidence to pursue my dreams. I will always remember the time you . . .  

A gratitude card is simple. It is short. It is sweet. And, your card is going to a gracious audience. The likely recipient is someone who believes you are pretty special, too.

Leave “perfect” in the desk drawer. Gratitude is a life-long practice. If we show up, we are doing it right.

Getting started can be the hardest part. Try reading through our gratitude invitations. Pick a prompt below and see where it leads. You can also explore the gratitude word list at the bottom to spark some creativity.

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Inspiring Words

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