Expressing Gratitude

The word gratitude is derived from the Latin word gratia, which means grace, graciousness, or gratefulness (depending on the context). In some ways, gratitude encompasses all of these meanings. Gratitude is a thankful appreciation for what an individual receives, whether tangible or intangible. With gratitude, people acknowledge the goodness in their lives. In the process, people usually recognize that the source of that goodness lies at least partially outside themselves. As a result, being grateful also helps people connect to something larger than themselves as individuals — whether to other people, nature, or a higher power.

I have been actively trying to ensure that when I express gratitude to someone, I truly express why. This is a practice that involves getting specific. Here is my simple formula: Starting phrase + specific reason + impact.

• Starting phrases are simple: Thank you for, I want to thank you because, I appreciate your…

• Specific reasons: what did this person do?

• Impact: why was it valuable to you?

RESOURCE FOR YOU!

As a CliftonStrengths coach, utilizing what I know about the strengths themes makes this easier for me, and now I’m sharing it with you. Check out my “Gratitude for CliftonStrengths” document for examples.