Page 9: Express Thankfulness and Gratitude

I had two more pages left in my ten page demonstration book, and found this quote from the late 1800s. I thought it was an appropriate addition to the book of thankfulness…

Thankfulness is the beginning of gratitude.
Gratitude is the completion of thankfulness.
Thankfulness may consist merely of words.
Gratitude is shown in acts.

– Henry Frederic Amiel 1881

I love the juxtaposition of thankfulness and gratitude. We often use them interchangeably, yet they are indeed two different sides of how we express our thoughts. In thankfulness we are expressing our awareness of our blessings, our accomplishments, and the support of others. It is that emotion we feel when we have reached a revelation and fully understand that we would not be where we are if we did not have the support of others. If we had not made difficult decisions then acted upon them. If we had not made certain choices that led us to who we are today. We are acknowledging our contentedness and pleased with where who we have become. We express our thankfulness through words.

In gratitude, we are indeed thankful, yet gratitude is best expressed with action. It comes from a source outside ourselves, often inspiring us to give back and keep the goodness flowing. We are expressing our appreciation in the value and benefit we received from someone else, through a tangible gift or by acts of kindness. We acknowledge how they have impacted our lives and return that favor by acting in a similar manner. We pay it forward through things we do in our own life to give someone else an opportunity they need to take their life forward. We express our gratitude though actions.

With all that being said, let me challenge you to take time today to express your thankfulness and show your gratitude. Be it for someone, some thing, an opportunity, a day filled with peace and quiet, or even for a gift you were given that changed your life for the better. You can do it in words, deeds, or simply in your own thoughts. We are what we think about and what we do, so today do something to express both thankfulness and gratitude. You will indeed be a better person for it.