4 Ways to Give Thanks

The holidays are truly the best time of the year. Who can resist blasting Christmas music in their car right now?? The next few months include holidays that help us reflect on what we are grateful for. Giving thanks is something that should be done year-round, but if you are like me, sometimes a holiday reminder is good too! The last few months have given me an opportunity to see people give thanks through their actions. It has inspired me to not only express my gratitude for them in return but to tell others that I am grateful for them too.

Here are four examples from my life of people giving thanks in different ways:

1.      Give thanks in person- My wife does a great job at this. She is by far the greatest example to me in every way. She’s got to love me if she’s willing to wash my underwear! We were about to go to sleep one night when she expressed her gratitude towards me. This was not her first time doing this, but this time it made me realize how blessed I really was. Just a few moments that did not take that long to say had such a huge impact on me. It only took a few words for her to make a difference.

2.      Give thanks over the phone- A few weeks ago one of my best friends gave me a call. Every time we talk, of course, we tease each other and talk about how “bad” the Boston Celtics are going to be (He’s from Boston). Besides our constant jabs at each other, we talk about life and what’s new with us. My friend let me know about a disease he just got diagnosed with, gratefully, through the wonders of modern medicine, he is being treated and is working through this trial. Even though he is going through this tough challenge, he still takes time to reach out and express his gratitude and friendship for me.

3.      Give thanks through a letter- Recently, I got a letter in the mail that made me instantly smile. I noticed the handwriting and knew it was from my Dad. He sent some stickers from the University my wife and I graduated from with a note saying, “best son of all time!” He is one of the most thoughtful people in my life. He didn’t have to do that or could have easily saved them for the next time we were together. To me, letters are very intimate. That small act from my Dad I received in the mail made my whole week.

4.      Give thanks on Social Media- In my life, I have gone back in forth on if social media is positive or negative to use. I think it can be both, depending on how we use it. Another best friend of mine lives in Australia. We served as missionaries for our church in California. I went to social media a few nights ago to find him tagging me in his story with a picture of us expressing his gratitude for our relationship. I immediately messaged my “uso” (Brother in Samoan, since he is Samoan) back to let him how much he means to me. Through his small act of kindness, it brightened my day.

These are some great examples of people giving thanks on social media right now! Look up #givethanks and get some inspiration from there. ??

I don’t want you leaving this article thinking that Chandler Boy is just looking for praise from others. It’s not about that. It’s about giving you ideas on how to be a positive influence on others in your life. If you haven’t already, take some time to give thanks. Give thanks to a family member, a friend, co-worker, or someone/something in your life that makes your life better. Start giving thanks now! The more you express your gratitude towards others and all that you have, the happier you will be in life.

Happy Thanksgiving everyone!

#givethanks