This post is short, because the benefit is less in the reading, and more in the action. There isn’t much to say about this tiny action with big heart, except that it will lead to new connections, deeper connections, and more meaningful relationships.
The Tiny Action: Demonstrate your gratitude.
When you compare the amount of times that you are truly grateful during any given day, with the amount of times you thank someone specifically, you might notice a discrepancy. The reason for the discrepancy may be busyness and distraction, or perhaps you didn’t know how to say thanks, or you wanted to thank with a big gesture, and by the time you were done thinking about it, it was too big and so you didn’t do anything at all. And of course, there are of those times when we take things for granted and forget to thank for the things we get used to.
For the next 3 days, become hyper-aware of what and who makes you grateful. Pay close attention because while it might be obvious, it might be something that typically goes unnoticed. It might be something that just happened, or maybe it was something that occurred a few days ago passing by without the thanks it really deserved. There is no statute of limitations on thanks, so don’t hold back.
Demonstrate your gratitude by saying thank you from your very full heart. While a simple “thanks” will do, take it to the next level and let someone know why you are thankful. When you do that, you take the first step towards deeper connection, because what you are saying is, “I noticed how you are important in my life. I notice you.”
Deliver the message
I can think of so many times that I meant to say thank you, or wanted to elaborate, but I didn’t. Be prepared to deliver your message. Because you will be so tuned in to gratitude, you’ll be able to look someone in the eye and say, “Thank you for sharing that story, it meant so much and really helped me to think about what’s going on in my own life.”
In addition, have a notebook, so you can write down the connections that have passed by because you were too distracted to say thank you. Resolve those moments with a phone call, email, or by sending a small stack of thank you notes into the world.
Gratitude comes back with connection
Like anything you do in life, the more grateful you act, the more grateful you will be. Gratitude attracts gratitude and since grateful people are happier and more open, connections are inevitable.
If meaningful connection is what you are after, get big-hearted with your gratitude.
I am so grateful
For you. You take the time to read these words and consider them. You decide if they are right for your life and then take action, share them, challenge me, leave a comment, or ask a question. You are thoughtful about how you act and react, and that means so much to me. Thank you for being open. Thank you for being kind. Thank you for being an essential part of my journey here. I notice you.
Thank YOU Courtney for all of your inspiration, encouragement and for the joy you bring to the world. I started a post the other night when our internet connection was down and haven’t gone back to it yet with all the kitchen renovations etc… This is a great reminder for me to post it now and to say “Thank you” 29 years later to Henry in Jamaica for cooking such lovely meals for us. And I’ll be sure to express my gratitude in the moment in the upcoming days. I have some beautiful handmade thank you cards ready to be written, addressed, stamped and mailed!
This is SO GREAT. I loved reading this so much. “There is no statue of limitations on thanks, so don’t hold back.” I love this! There have been so many times in my life that I wanted to thank people for something: how they made me feel, how they touched my life, but I got so caught up in the HOW of doing it that eventually the moment passed and I didn’t do anything. Being AWARE and taking that chance when it presents itself is the key. If all you do is say THANK YOU that’s enough, but don’t just do ENOUGH, do more. That’s what I’m going to do the rest of this week. Thank you for this post – it really spoke to me and woke me up. I’m going to do a write up with a link back to this post on my blog. Please stop by when you have a moment!
THANK YOU!
Super, Courtney. Let’s not wait til the person is gone to say how much they were loved, appreciated, valued.
Thank you …
Thank you Courtney.
I appreciate the substance of your posts. I appreciate that I can use that substance to make my life better.
I appreciate that I feel like I belong to the tribe of people that read your blog. I feel connected to them and you through it.
X
Apparently, I say thank you more than most people. I am startled by how many people don’t know how to respond to a simple thank you. Many people are embarrassed to be thanked as if what they did was too insignificant to deserve a thank you. But I appreciate people doing little things for me so I like to let them know that. You, Courtney, do big things for me so here is a big THANK YOU.
Thank you for the inspirational post.
This post is really beautifully done. Thank you for being such a great friend and guide!
I have kept a gratitude diary for about five years or more. The difference it makes to my life is immense. When I fall out of the habit of writing in it I feel that there is something missing.
Courtney,
Thank you for this blog and for your words of wisdom. I cannot convey how much this blog has changed my life, in the 8 months I’ve been reading it. I’m so grateful for you!
You are my new favorite blog! Thank you for all the time and care and talent you use to bring so much to so many others. You probably only know of half the impact you have on your readers – you really are a treasure!
It’s winter here in New Zealand and this morning I noticed the buds in three magnolia trees opening. They are so stunning that I was compelled to get a closer view. On the way I inhaled the sweet scent of narcissus, daphne and violets. The birds are singing their little hearts out and as I plucked a newly ripened grapefruit for my breakfast from a tree covered in yellow orbs, I was overwhelmed with gratitude for my little piece of heaven on earth.
I give thanks to the previous owners’ foresight in planting such magnificent trees from which I reap rewards every day.
I give thanks to clients who value my work enough to fund the garden and property,
I give thanks to my family and friends for sharing my joy and enriching my life.
I give thanks to you, Courtney Carver, for role modelling Simplicity in Action so beautifully that I can find my way…
Thank you
I really needed to hear this
Dear Courtney
Thanks for sharing your thoughts on tiny action -being truly grateful. We are so used to saying thank you but I personally have felt that many times this word comes out without having proper connection with our heart.The true expression of gratitude is reflected in our eyes and is felt by listner instantly.
You are absolutely right gratitude is infectious and comes back.
Once again tons of thanks.
thanks for blog, very inspiring …. from El Salvador Centroamerica