Post written by Sherri Kruger. Follow me on Twitter.
Are you feeling under appreciated? A little taken for granted?
If you answered yes, rest assured you are not alone.
There are plenty of people that go above and beyond the call of duty on a regular basis and get nothing in return. There are others who do simple little actions that make the lives of others easier or more enjoyable. You may be one of them.
If you’re never told that what you do makes a difference you may think, from time to time, … well why bother?
Other people are no different. You may not expect anything in return but it’s still nice to know what you do is appreciated.
Think about what kind gestures your friend has done for you. What has a co-worker done to make your job even a little more enjoyable? What little things do your family members do for you that you really appreciate?
A lot of time we know we appreciate these people and the reasons for it but unless we show them they won’t know. People are not mind readers.
Here are some really simple ways to show your appreciation for those who impact your life in a positive way.
- A heart felt thank-you note/card.
- Gift certificate to their favorite coffee shop.
- Fresh baking for their early morning meeting.
- Fresh cut flowers to be passed around the office. Include a card that says: A little something to brighten your day. I’m yours for two hours then give me away.
- Invite your friend or co-worker out for a cup of coffee or a drink after work.
- Lend a hand when a friend or family member is painting or remodeling their home.
- If you know your friend wants to get organized but is having a tough time starting, buy them a book on organizing, some containers and nice notebook.
- Cook a meal so they don’t have to after a long day at work.
- Frame one of their favorite pictures.
- Share a plant or a plant clipping.
- Pick up some groceries and drop them off on your way home.
- Return a favor. If your neighbor always shovels your walk way or mows your grass get out there before him or her and do theirs for a change.
- Watch your niece or nephew for an afternoon to give their parents some time off.
- Make reservations at their favorite restaurant.
- Make a candle light dinner at home for your spouse.
- Give a hug. Yes it can be that simple.
- Tell them what you think they are particularly great at.
- Write notes to leave on a pillow, a computer keyboard, or in a lunch box.
- Give a hand made gift. Winter is in full swing here, so how about a knitted scarf or mitts? Or a center piece for their table.
- Make a special day just for them. Plan a day for them around what they enjoy. Go with them if it’s appropriate.
Our relationships with others are what enrich our lives. Take time to show the people who make your life better how much you appreciate them and how much they matter.
What other ways do show your appreciation for others?
I LOVE this list. I would add: a back massage.
If you do only 1, I would recommend number one-the thank you card. I stole this idea from chicken soup for the soul,but in my teaching days, instead of giving Christmas cards to my students (they were grade 8), I gave them thank you cards instead. It was a lot of work (there were 35 of those hormone enraged teenagers) but it was a huge success. Some students actually cried. Some have told me they still have them. And me. Well, it took my relationship with my class to a whole new level. Moral: I guess it pays to steal great ideas and put them to work for the greater good.
Thanks so much for sharing these great ideas…
Highly appreciate it… :clap:
I love this list! The spirit of giving – especially of giving of yourself/your time – is a wonderful way to celebrate the season! And great lessons for the kids – I’m going to involve them in these! Thanks!
Great simple thoughts…. so easy to make someone’s day IF we just take the time to do it!
I practice something I call “guerilla goodness”, which is showing appreciation to absolute strangers! If someone I encounter during a retail transaction seems out of sorts, I’ll compliment them..on their hair, their nails, their perfume (or aftershave!). If I see a parent who looks particularly frazzled, I’ll tell them how beautiful their child is. Even when I encounter a homeless person, I’ll always look that person directly in the eye..something I think most “civilians” avoid doing..say hello (and frequently given them a sandwich or some cookies.)
There is never a reward in terms of a stronger bond, a deeper relationship, or a tangible reward…but I can show appreciation for the humanity of others.
Hehe, I will show this list to my children. The little tikes, sometimes I do feel unappreciated for all my laundering, cooking, worry and loving but I know they do appreciate it deep down.
My 5 year old has carefully wrapped up 5 cents, a pencil and 4 marbles for my Xmas. Sorry to say I peeped inside but really, what better proof of her appreciation than that?!
Many thanks to you for all your hard work writing and editing ZFH. I see your subscribers are ever-growing and I hope you know that you’re appreciated. I’m lying low over Xmas with 3 kids on holiday until February. I’ll be spending more time surfing in the ocean with them than surfing the Net so if I don’t get a chance again just want to say happy hols and see you next year:)
These are all lovely ways to show appreciation to those we love. Thanks for the reminder of how important it is to do that. I would add, paying a compliment (we might notice someone looks nice or has done their hair in a nice way but we don’t always let them know we noticed). Also, giving a genuinely enthusiastic greeting to your family when you come back home from being out at work or out shopping or whatever. It shows you missed them and are happy to see them again.
Mixed with #1. A heart felt thank-you note/card is a smile. I believe we can make better places just by smiling.
For social networking sites, post a comment on each of your closest friend’s pages with the following:
1) Tell them what you like most about their appearance.
2) Tell them what you like about their personality.
3) Tell them what their friendship means to you.
I really love this post, Sherri. I think we forget to tell people how much we appreciate them. Thanks for the wonderful reminder.
Ask your loved one to share a happy memory with you. He/she will enjoy sharing this moment with you.
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To me one of the most important gestures a person can give is truly one of the simplest: Say the person’s name, as often as you can! For some reason people tend to avoid addressing friends by name, especially if the name is ethnic or otherwise difficult to pronounce. However, a person’s name invokes their entire personality and essence, and by using his/her name more often you are showing how much you enjoy that person, and he/she is also a lot more likely to pay attention to what you are doing/saying if you have said his/her name. Even if it is difficult to pronounce, ask if you are saying it properly and if you aren’t then sit with the person and practice until you get it right!
A great way let someone know they are appreciated is to make a pledge for them at http://www.RepaySomeday.com It will a wonderful way to let someone know they are a great person and have positively impacted someone.
I rly love the ideas given. I was thinking to buy a hard cover card, the size of an A4 paper then write anything and tell them you appeciate having them in your life and leave it on their desk, without writing your name. And leave a cup of their favorite chocolates as well.
I always emailed this website post page to all
my contacts, since if like to read it after that my friends will too.