Gratitude and thankfulness create their own powerful energy, both for you and the person you give them to. Give the gift of gratitude by taking some simple steps that will enhance your life and others profoundly.

It is all too easy to let the holidays flow over us like water (or perhaps like a steamroller!) and find ourselves missing the powerful message of meaning that started them. We know the original intent of Thanksgiving and carry that tradition into our own homes by spending time with family and sharing the bounty of our tables. But when was the last time you felt deeply thankful for the personal bounty others share with you throughout the year? Did you give voice to those thanks? Think back to the last time someone shared a powerful thought of gratitude with you, perhaps thanking your for a contribution you made to their lives. Remember how that felt? Imagine what it meant to them to share their thanks with you. THAT is what giving thanks is all about.

Feeling grateful is only half the story. Accept this challenge to action and experience thankfulness in a whole new way.

Tips to give life to giving thanks:

• Who had the most powerful, positive impact on your life in the past 10 years? Do they know how their action/influence has changed your life? Don't assume. Have lunch, make a call or send a handwritten note to this person and share what their contribution has meant to you.
• Who makes a regular contribution to your life in ways that typically go unrecognized? This may be the guy working the counter at Starbucks who gives a smile and quick service each day, or the lady at the dry cleaning window who remembers your name. Voice your appreciation this week. Go a step further and hand him a movie ticket or give her a flower. An outrageous tip makes a powerful statement!
• Who have you really taken for granted this year? Often this is the people closest to us. We assume they know how we feel - and they often do, they just don't get to hear it. In this situation, heartfelt words are the best gift. Create a Top 10 list of "Things I Appreciate Most About You" and laminate it.
• What skill/knowledge/trait do you have that could profoundly affect others? Are you sharing that effectively today? If you did, who would you powerfully, positively impact in the next 10 years? Consider yourself an untapped resource for others and create a plan to effortlessly give of yourself in such a way to profoundly impact a life.
• How have you made someone thankful in the past year? The past week? Today? Make giving of yourself a proactive, daily part of your life. Try giving a kind word to the frazzled retail clerk. Take over an unpleasant chore from your spouse when they need it most. Ask a friend how you can support them better. Shift your focus from getting to giving on a regular basis.

When family and friends come to your final gathering, they won't be giving thanks for your dedication to work and the many things you provided for them. They will be thankful for the time you spent with them, the support you gave when they needed it, and how much you appreciated them for who they were in your life. Be thankful that you still have time to make it happen!

Resources:

Read this article from Pepperdine University to learn how you and your organization can benefit from shared gratitude.

Send a quick note of appreciation using a Blue Mountain or American Greetings online greeting card.

For free tips on writing letters of appreciation that work, check out Write Express.