Love and gratitude are powerful emotions that can enrich our lives and deepen our connections with others. According to a 2012 study, happiness is closely connected to gratitude for all everyone involved both giver and receiver. But this goes well beyond modern science, with ancient civilizations considering it the mother of all feelings as Cicero put it.
Besides philosophers, psychologists, and artists, neuroscientific research also supports this claim by observing love and gratitude and their effects on the biochemical reactions in the body, specifically the brain. Some of the benefits are increased production of happiness hormones dopamine and serotonin, reduced levels of stress hormone cortisol, and boost positive cognitive development.
In everyday life, love and gratitude allow us to appreciate the blessings in our lives, strengthen relationships, and create a positive ripple effect in our communities. The beauty of it all is that there are many heartfelt ways to express love and gratitude; you just have to decide on the right one for you.
Say it with flowers
Flowers have long been a symbol of love and gratitude, especially since they have a unique language of their own. Each flower carries meaning and can convey specific messages and emotions. For instance, red roses represent passionate love, while a pink roses bouquet signifies strong friendship. Also, sunflowers symbolize adoration and loyalty, honeysuckle devotion, and daffodils represent new beginnings.
Sometimes it’s okay to just focus on the vibrant colors, to invoke joy and cheerfulness, or choose the fragrant blooms the other side is fond of. You can opt for large flower arrangements paired with wine, glasses, a box of chocolates, or any other lovely gift that will add to your sentiment.
Send them a handwritten letter
A few decades ago, handwritten letters were what today is to send an email, a DM, or a text message. So in this digital age, creating and writing letters gives your gesture a personal touch and holds a special charm. The best way to start is by creating content in the most comfortable way for you that will help your creative juices, even if it’s your smartphone or computer.
Take the time to craft a memory of specific moments and qualities you admire in the person you are sending it to. Don’t worry about your handwriting, since the point is to create something that is distinguishably yours. Once you are done, send it the usual way, put it in their mailbox, or someplace they will find it and be pleasantly surprised.
Do an act of random kindness
Small acts of kindness can have a big impact on others, such as paying for a friend’s coffee, offering a helping hand, or leaving uplifting notes for colleagues. These gestures not only make others feel valued but also bring a sense of fulfillment and joy to yourself.
For example, surprise your coworker with their favorite treat and a thoughtful note, expressing your appreciation for their hard work and positive attitude in the office. Gift your neighbor a plant just because you see them enjoying spending time in their garden. Random acts of kindness can make someone’s day, lift their mood, and even change their life for the better.
Give them quality time
One of the most precious gifts we can give someone is our time and undivided attention. Quality time allows you to express your love and gratitude through your presence and active participation in each other’s lives.
For instance, plan special activities or outings with your loved ones, free from distractions, where you can engage in meaningful conversations and deepen your bond through shared experiences. Take your best friend on a hike to their favorite spot and spend the day talking, laughing, and reminiscing about your shared adventures. Spend time playing with your dog, taking them to the park, and showing them how much you love them and appreciate them being in your life.
Offer acts of service
It’s important to remember that actions speak louder than words. Offering acts of service to someone you care about is a powerful way to express your love and gratitude, like helping with household chores. By easing their burden, you demonstrate your care and appreciation for them, as well as value their efforts and work.
Some of the ideas for acts of service can be preparing a home-cooked meal for a friend who has been going through a tough time. Or, lending a hand to a coworker who has too much to do and not enough time to do it. No matter how small, your gesture will show them that you are there to support and help them in more ways than one.
Surprise them with a weekend getaway
Planning a surprise getaway is an extraordinary way to how much you care for someone and value them. Since going away for a few days can be tough to use as a surprise due to work schedules and other responsibilities of your person, a weekend getaway will have the same effect. Our tip is to choose a destination that holds significance for the person you’re surprising or a place they’ve always dreamed of visiting.
Such a well-thought-out trip shows that you’ve taken the time to consider their desires and provides an opportunity for shared adventures and cherished memories. For example, surprise your parents with a weekend getaway to a cozy cabin in the mountains. Book a spa weekend for you and your friend to relax and rejuvenate together.
Create a memory jar
A memory jar is one of the most sentimental gifts you can give to someone. It’s a creative and original way to capture beautiful moments and memories shared with a loved one. Take a larger jar of any shape and color you like and fill it with handwritten notes of appreciation, photographs, or small mementos.
Think of things that will remind them of times full of joy and happiness, especially if they need some positive energy in their life right now. Additionally, you can celebrate a significant anniversary by presenting your SO with things that marked your relationship through the years.
Make a photo collage
A photo collage is a beautiful visual way to show your appreciation to someone for something that happened or just for them being themselves. Unlike digital photographs, old-fashioned ones will create a more intimate gesture that shows dedication to cherish such moments.
For example, surprise your partner with a photo collage featuring snapshots from your favorite adventures and everyday moments that you treasure. Turn it into a wedding gift for the newlyweds with photos that celebrate their love from the start to the altar. Such a thoughtful gift allows you to reflect on the wonderful times you had together, serving as a reminder of your gratefulness for having them in your life.
Practice active listening
Being fully present and practicing active listening is one of the most profound ways to express love and gratitude. Give your undivided attention when someone is sharing their thoughts, emotions, or experiences, and engage with empathy, offer support, and validate their feelings. Active listening shows that you genuinely care what other person thinks and you heard what they had to say on the matter.
You can start by carefully listening during a conversation with a friend who is telling a story about something extremely important in their life. Try not to interrupt the speaker or intrude on their story by turning the narrative onto yourself. Remember that your attentive and supportive presence will show them you validate what they’re going through or think, giving them meaning and acceptance.
Support their dreams
We all have goals, wishes, and desires that are sometimes not easy to achieve due to circumstances or a lack of motivation and enthusiasm. This is where you can step up and demonstrate your love and gratitude — by being someone’s pillar to reach their dreams. Sometimes a little push in the right direction can do a lot for a person, like providing encouragement and moral support.
You can help your sibling organize a birthday party for their child or an event for a cause they are passionate about. If you drive, you can take your mother to the doctor’s appointments she has been postponing for a while. This type of support can have an immeasurable effect on a person’s life, even change it for the better and help them move on from a difficult situation.
Create a care package
If you have someone you cared about far away in another city or country, going through a rough patch, or starting a new job, care packages are a thoughtful way to bring them comfort and joy. Include items that are tailored to their preferences and needs and always include items that inspire relaxation, self-care, or favorite treats. These little things will make them smile and be understood as a message of support for their well-being.
For instance, create a care package with cozy socks, herbal tea, and a book for a person that moved to a colder place. Or, pack a bottle of wine, chocolate, and spa gift certificate for a friend that went through a divorce or breakup. The idea is to find the best items that will console a person and tell them you are there for them without being intrusive with messages and constant calls.
Lastly
Through various gestures such as flowers, handwritten letters, thoughtful gifts, and more, we have the power to make a positive impact on other people’s lives. These heartfelt ways to express our love and gratitude show appreciation and deepen relationships, bringing an intense glee to your life and the lives of others.
