Thank you for being Awesome – Free Printable Gratitude Cards
Gratitude is something we talk about a lot these days. You read about it on this blog, you see articles about it in magazines, there are books dedicated to it. And you will probably hear about it from anyone who is talking about ways to improve your life.
There’s a good reason for this focus on gratitude. Expressing our gratitude for what we have is important in helping us change a mindset of lack to one of abundance.
When we appreciate what we have, we focus less on what we don’t have. But just as important as the impact gratitude can have on your life is the impact it can have on the lives of others.
Why do we need to express our gratitude?
Has anyone ever told you they appreciate something you did for them? Or they appreciate you for just being you? Has anyone ever told you they are grateful you’re part of their lives? How did that make you feel? If you’re like me, it probably warmed your heart and made you feel a deep sense of personal value. It always gives me the warm fuzzies when I’m recognized by others as being important in their lives.
Paying Gratitude Forward
I always try to make sure I’m paying this feeling forward. When someone is there for me in any number of ways, I try to make sure I let them know they’re appreciated and valued. They could have done something big – like taking time out of their busy day to take me to pick-up my car from the repair shop . Or it could be something small – like a cashier who just goes a little above and beyond to be friendly on a busy day at the grocery store. For the little things, simply making eye contact, smiling and a genuine thank you usually brings an unexpected smile to their faces. (Notice the people around you in the grocery store – how many of them get through the entire check-out process without making eye contact with the cashier? How many even look up from their cell phone during the entire check-out process?) When someone really takes time out of their lives to help make my day easier or better or brighter, I like to make a point of expressing how much I appreciate them. And guess what – it’s usually as simple as just using those words – making eye contact (or being present if I’m on the phone) and saying – I really appreciate you, thank you for. . . (fill in the blank as appropriate).Get started being a gratitude giver
If you’re reading along and trying to remember the last time you expressed your gratitude to someone, know that you’re not alone. It isn’t always easy to do. Sometimes it can feel awkward if you’re not in the habit. And sometimes life gets so hectic that we let things like this slip through the cracks as we try to fulfill our commitments and take care of the essentials to keep our life moving forward.
In fact, in writing this post, I realized it has been a while since I called my parents just to let them know how grateful I am for all they do for me. So if expressing gratitude toward others is not currently part of your daily routine, I hope you’re ready to find easy ways to work it into your daily life!
While I usually express my gratitude verbally, sometimes I like to hand someone something physical they can hold onto and remember how special they are.
I once worked with someone who consistently went above and beyond for the organization. She worked incredibly hard, and I wanted to make sure she knew at least one person noticed. So I made her a Certificate of Awesome, and left it on her desk. I didn’t make a big deal out of the presentation (I can’t even remember if she knew it was from me), I just wanted to make sure she felt appreciated for all she was doing. And it worked – I noticed she was extra cheerful for days after receiving the certificate, and she proudly displayed it in her office for months.
Printable Gratitude Cards
Right now you might thinking creating custom certificates for everyone you’re grateful for seems like a monumental task. So I want to help make it a little easier for you to share how much you appreciate the people around you.
I’ve designed three different gratitude cards you can print at home (or at any copy/print center). There are four to a page, so for just a few cents, you can let people know how much they mean to you.
Maybe you put these in an envelope and mail them off with a note to family and friends.
You might want to keep a few in your purse to hand out to those people you meet throughout your day who make it just a little bit brighter.
Or you might want to leave them around the house to remind your family of how grateful you are to share your life with them.
And don’t forget to tuck a card into a book you’re reading, tack it up next to your computer, or clip it into your planner to remind you to extend that same gratitude to yourself – you’re showing up each and every day and doing great things for yourself and others.
Today, I want you to know that I am grateful for you! Grateful that you took the time to read this post, grateful to you for printing and sharing these gratitude cards with the people in your life, and most of all, grateful that you’re helping make this world a kinder, more compassionate, and balanced place by building a life you love.
Download the Gratitude Cards here:
“I appreciate you!”
“Thank you for being Awesome!”
“I am grateful for all that you do!”
