For some people, it’s only once a year that they sit down to think about the things they are thankful for. However, creating a daily ritual of giving thanks is a healthy way to foster a positive outlook. Whether you are saying grace over a meal or writing down three things you are thankful for every evening, being aware of thankfulness through service is a powerful motivator to look for the positive in one’s life.
In our home, we make it a habit to offer thanks before every meal. We give thanks to the universe for the food provided, for the ability to be together, for the love we share, and for the safety of our family. We also ask for special protection for those with heavy hearts and sadness, hoping they are surrounded by love and peace. I believe that considering others’ sufferings as we give thanks for our lives helps us stay grounded and compassionate.
In addition to offering thanks, there’s no better way to show appreciation and gratitude than through acts of service. Helping someone can not only brighten their day but also fill your heart with joy. Whether it’s lending a hand to your neighbors, volunteering at a local shelter, or supporting community events, there are countless ways to make a positive impact. Here are three simple yet powerful ways you can express your gratitude through service. Ready to spread some kindness? Let’s dive in!
1. Service by Volunteering Your Time and Offer Your Skills
One of the most direct ways to give thanks is by volunteering your time and skills. Think about what you’re good at or enjoy doing, and find a way to share that with others. Whether it’s tutoring students, helping out at a local animal shelter, or offering free services in your area of expertise, your efforts can make a significant difference.
As a parent, I think it’s important to teach young children the value of community service. When I was young, my mom often took us to the food bank or the homeless shelter to donate food to the hungry. As a teenager, I spearheaded coat drives for the homeless and visited nursing homes during the holidays with my extended family to sing and visit with the residents. These experiences created powerful memories and taught me that working together allows us to make a bigger difference than if we were acting alone. Service is a great skill for both adults and children to cultivate.
Tip: Check out non-profit organizations to see where your skills are needed. Volunteering even a few hours a week can have a huge impact on your community.
2. Support Charities
Charities do incredible work to support those in need, and they rely heavily on donations to continue their mission. You can express your gratitude by giving back to these organizations through financial contributions, donating items, or participating in fundraising events.
Before I ever founded my own nonprofit, my family and I appreciated being involved in humanitarian projects. My mother-in-law is from Ecuador, and when our girls were young, we decided to sponsor a little girl from Ecuador to ensure she received the food and education she desperately needed. We sponsored Carolina until she aged out of the program at 18 years old and finished her schooling. I strongly believe service is our duty as human beings, to serve when and where it’s possible. Now, as the founder of my own non-profit I rely strongly on volunteers and contributions from strangers. We wouldn’t be able to feed and educate all our kiddos without the financial support from sponsors.
Tip: Research charities that resonate with your values and find out how you can contribute. Charities have a long list of their current needs and ways to get involved.
3. Perform Random Acts of Kindness
Sometimes, the simplest gestures can have the biggest impact. Performing random acts of kindness is a wonderful way to spread gratitude and positivity. Whether it’s paying for someone’s coffee, leaving a kind note for a stranger, or helping someone carry their groceries, these small actions can make a big difference in someone’s day.
I recently had the opportunity to volunteer at a nonprofit preschool in Mexico. We donated school supplies, soccer balls, toys, clothes, reusable diapers, and more. At the end of our time together, the preschool students were singing and dancing, and the director sang a song of thanks to all the volunteers. We danced in a circle with smiles beaming and tears streaming down our faces. It was a beautiful moment of kindness and gratitude. It’s vital to be kind, especially during the season of Thanksgiving, as we give thanks for our lives and for the ability we have to serve.
Tip: Keep an eye out for opportunities to help others in your daily life. A little kindness goes a long way and often inspires others to pay it forward.
Showing thanks through service not only helps others but also brings a sense of fulfillment and joy. So, take a moment to give back, and you’ll find that gratitude grows when it’s shared. Happy giving!
