Three Great Ways to Express Gratitude
We all have people in our lives who inspire us—a parent or sibling, a teacher or coach, a mentor or supervisor. Whatever their role, they’ve uniquely contributed to your life in some profound way, and you might be considering appropriate ways to express your gratitude.
Words are a powerful way to communicate just how impactful someone has been in your life. Something as simple as a phone call, a letter, or even an e-mail can be an effective way to communicate an important message.It’s not always easy to express feelings of gratitude or admiration, so adding a thoughtful gift can be a powerful pairing that captures your sentiments both in a figurative and literal way.
If you have someone in your life who has inspired you in some way, but you’re struggling to find the words to say, consider these strategies to help formulate your message of grace and gratitude.
Focus on Who They Are
Often, we are inspired by someone because of their values and principles. For example, are you encouraged by a colleague who is a team player in the truest sense? Maybe you admire a parent figure’s selflessness and sacrifice for always putting your needs before theirs.Or perhaps you look up to a close friend or sister who consistently acts upon the values they espouse, like volunteering in their free time or attending church regularly.
Identifying which specific attributes you admire, whether it be perseverance, kindness, humility, or something else, can help you start converting your sentiments of gratitude into words.
You can also search for meaningful gifts that encapsulate your feelings for a friend or family member. Picture frames, figurines, and wall art make perfect brother or sister gifts that convey feelings of love, timelessness, and appreciation.
Think About What They’ve Done
Another source of admiration comes from recognizing what someone has accomplished. Perhaps your grandmother worked her way to the top of her field during a time when opportunities for women weren’t as prevalent. Letters and grandma gifts are an appropriate and thoughtful way to communicate how your grandmother inspired you to persevere through hurdles and challenges in your life. These are also helpful for when you just want to express your gratitude.
Maybe you want to thank and recognize a coach who overcame insurmountable challenges and went on to achieve incredible results in their sport. A letter and a thoughtful, inspirational gift like a wall hanging, figurine, or plaque can help you express how you feel.
Although focusing on someone’s accomplishments will probably incorporate some of their values, explaining how and why someone’s achievements have impacted you is a great way to express gratitude.
Showcase Their Role in Your Life
Highlighting the role someone has played in your life is another great way to communicate appreciation. Did a teacher motivate you to pursue a career in education? Did a sibling encourage you to try a new sport or hobby that led to a healthier, more fulfilling life?
People play all kinds of roles in our lives, and sometimes we don’t recognize their impact. Something as simple as inviting you out on a hike may have been that little piece of encouragement you needed to get outside more. Taking the time to tell people that they play a pivotal role in your life is a healthy way to convey gratitude.
About Willow Tree
Providing an intimate line of figurines and sculptures that speak in quiet ways to display the love of family and the quiet joy that love brings to life, Willow Tree® has provided inspired gift-giving since 1999. Artist Susan Lordi hand carves each original figure from her studio in Kansas City, Missouri. Without facial expressions, these beautiful figurines depict emotion through gestures only… a tilt of the head, placement of the hands, a turn of the body. The simplicity of form and absence of facial features leave Willow Tree figures open for personal emotional interpretation. From her first figures 20 years ago, Susan inspires meaningful gift-giving from the heart with nativity figurines, thoughtful gifts for family and friends, and more.
Browse memorable gifts from the heart at Willowtree.com