There is no shortage of blessings for which we should express appreciation. Solid health. Supportive spouse. Loving family. Long-time friends. Thriving business. Great success. Acclaim. Good fortune. It turns out that giving thanks is good not only for the people receiving that appreciation (after all, it feels good to be told “thank you”) but also for the person expressing gratitude. In fact, gratitude seems to work like a “booster shot” for relationships. This goes for relationships at work as well. An employee expressing gratitude for a boss’ generosity makes both the boss and employee feel better. The same is true for a boss expressing appreciation for an employee’s hard work. Both boss and employee feel better. Giving thanks — the actual act of expressing it — is mutually beneficial.
People should take time to count blessings and be thankful every day. Indeed, taking it even a step further, perhaps the best way to show genuine gratitude for abundant blessings is to pay it forward by doing good and being the good we want to see in the world. It may be that the best way to show real appreciation for blessings and kindness is to be a blessing and show kindness to others…. and give others reasons to also be grateful. That would complete the circle of gratitude. And, it turns out that this also could also be good not just for the recipients but for the do-gooders too! Continue reading