Gratitude Words: 30 Ways to Say You're Grateful (Free Printable!)
I’m a fan of old fashioned thank you notes. Sometimes I look at the letters that my mother and her friends sent to each other, snapshots of their kids included for good measure, and I’m immediately drawn in to the genuine level of friendship that doesn’t seem to exist today. Don’t get me wrong, we show kindness and gratitude, it’s just different. These days our gratitude is shared through social media - a like here, a “click this” Facebook generated, “happy birthday ‘so and so” and everyone is happy and connected, right? Maybe, but maybe not!
When was the last time you sent a card to a friend? A note to say you appreciate them? If you’re like many of us, it’s been awhile. But people who take the time to send letters and notes typically get more from sending the note than the person who gets it! It’s the act of gratitude that fires up the brain! Hopefully by checking out this list of gratitude words, you’ll be inspired to pick up a box of blank cards at Target and get to it!
Kids and Gratitude
If you aren’t in the practice of having your kiddos write thank you notes, now’s a good time to test the waters! Taking time to sit in the gratitude as they write what they are grateful for helps wire the brain for more positive connection AND more gratitude! Plus, it’s just good manners to send Aunt Sarah a thank you for the awesome birthday present she sent.
But if your kids are like my kids, they’ll probably say, “I don’t know what to say…” Or you might find every card starting the same: ”Thank you for the……”. And yes, it is absolutely appropriate to use those exact words but sometimes they feel a little lacking, don’t you think? If you’re looking for a little inspiration to share your gratitude, we’ve got you! Have fun with this and I totally encourage you to try to make one of your own.
Gratitude in the Classroom
Hey teachers! If you’d like to make your classroom a gratitude-boosting classroom, print this out and encourage yours students to write thank you cards throughout the year - for their classmates, the office staff, kitchen staff, custodians or even their parents! Download a printable PDF - both full color and printer friendly black and white.
30 Ways to Show Your Gratitude
I look up to you because…
I couldn’t have done it without you….
You boosted my day when…
A heartfelt thank you for….
You made a difference when you…
I was so encouraged by you when…
If I could give you a standing ovation…
You boosted my day when you…
How can I repay your kindness?
You were such a help when you…
All the credit goes to you for…
You made my heart smile when you…
You were like a ray of sunshine when you…
You are a lifesaver…
You made my day when…
You are amazing…
I want to acknowledge…
I felt blessed when…
You were so generous when you…
I wanted to recognize the time when you…
What would I do without you?
It was such a surprise when you…
I will always remember the time when…
The world needs more people like you…
It was so thoughtful when you…
It was so awesome of you to…
I could tell you were rooting for me when…
I felt so special when you…
Can we take a minute to acknowledge what you did for me…
What you did meant so much to me…
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