The Art of Gratitude: 3 Steps to Express Genuine Thanks

In this season of giving, think back on who’s made your life easier, more joyful, and supported your growth at home, in the community, and at work. How do you express your gratitude? A few years ago, I made a personal commitment to send 100 hand-painted thank-you cards in one year; in addition to calling people regularly, and meeting them in person when I’m in town, this practice deepens my relationships and helps me stay connected to a diasporic network of friends and colleagues. As you ramp up at home for the holiday season and wind down for the year at work, here are some tips to reflect on and mull over (with some wine or cider) on how to deepen your connection to your team and loved ones.

1. Time — frequency is important.

Genuine connection takes repeat touch-points.

I appreciate my real estate and biz dev friends and their once-a-year birthday card, however, it feels transactional when they are not present in my life regularly. If I only hear from someone when they want to do a business deal or support them in their chapters, and it’s not reciprocal, the annual gratitude can feel rootless. Some other ways to stay in touch beyond the thank-you card: check-in privately and slide into their DM’s when you see something significant in their lives play out on social media…