Thanksgiving is coming… Why are we thankful?

A quality of an effective leader is “Encouraging the Heart” of others. A grateful leader will show others that they matter, be appreciative of team member’s  efforts and say “thanks”. With the season of Thanksgiving coming soon, how do young people learn and show gratitude?

Practice these traits and skills. Family time can build on some of these gratitude ideas.

Create a thank-you.

Help younger family members do a thank you note.

At meal time-Pick your top 3.

At dinner or bedtime, take turns sharing the three best things about your day.

Make a different kind of gift list.

Write down the things (preferably handmade) you would like to give friends and family as holiday gifts.

Hand-write thank-you’s.

 

Make a gratitude jar.

Fill it with short handwritten notes of gratitude (“I’m thankful we won the big game!” or, “I’m grateful Grandma came to visit.”). Pick a special time to pull out notes at random and read aloud.

Say thank-you with cookies.

Leave a sticky note of thanks.

Leave sticky notes for each family member to thank them for something you appreciate.

Are you 16? Think of 16 things you are grateful for. Celebrate your year.

Every birthday, make a list of things you are grateful for that year.

Get it on video.

Make a thank-you video for someone who gave you a gift or showed you a kindness. Saying thank you is always important, but it’s OK to think beyond the note.

 

Make a plan. Research a service project, and make a plan to execute it. Invite others to join in.

 

Create a gratitude photo book.

Using a smart phones (or a plain old camera, or magazines), gather photos of the things you’re thankful for.

Help out without being asked.

Make it a goal to do so once a day — and for any member of the family.

Thank a teacher, adviser or coach.

Send a handwritten note to know how much their efforts make a difference.

Volunteer a Saturday.

Think food pantry or animal shelter, and try to make it a regular commitment.

Go back to school.

Donate your time to your old elementary or middle school and let your former teachers and coaches know how much they helped you.

Create a new family gratitude ritual.

Make it something you can continue when you’re on your own.

Pay it forward in the drive-thru lane.

Use your own money to pay for someone else’s meal.

Post gratitude statements everyday on facebook or twitter.

Make a habit of Gratitude and your Attitude will improve too!