Action Step:
Take inventory.
Look back at My Grateful Gifts List from day 1. Look at the relationships you listed and add any that you might have not added day 1 that you have in your life at this moment…and I am not talking about the numerous “friends” you have on social media. We are looking for the people in your life that you would call for a ride when you get a flat tire or ask to dinner when you have had a rough day.
Once complete, look over your full relationship list and see if there is anyone on there that will be a barrier in cultivating the traits you want in a meaningful relationship – support, growth, unconditional love. If there are some, for now, you may want to put those relationships to the side.
For purposes of this Mini Challenge we are going to focus our energy on those that will. So put a star by their name(s) or highlight/mark them in some way. These individuals will now be known as “Your People”.
Action Step:
Honor and accept.
Now that you have “Your People” that you want to strengthen your relationship with, take a moment to honor them. Accept their differences and reflect on how you can be the best friend, companion, relative or significant other to “Your People”.
Think about each person you listed and the gifts they offer you. Write at least one word next to each name that describes what you appreciate about them.
Action Step:
Let “Your People” in on your feelings. Express gratitude at least once each day for the rest of this week.
William Arthur Ward said, “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” Now that you’ve felt the gratitude and appreciation for “Your People”, it’s time to express it. Expressing feelings can be difficult for some, so here are some ideas to get you started. If you have other ideas, please feel free to act on those as well. And if you are up to it, share your ideas with other associates on Viva Engage too.
Ideas for expressing gratitude:
- Write a note of thanks and send. Be specific about why you appreciate them. Maybe even tell a story about a specific time they did something you appreciate.
- Prepare a special meal or treat for that person. Make it something you know they love.
- Send or print a photo of a special memory the two of you share.
- Give a toast to them before a meal or send a video of you giving a short toast to them.
- A small gift that made you think of them.
- Do a task for them you know they hate to do, like cleaning their car, filling up their gas tank or planning what’s for dinner.
- Find something in their favorite color or saying and surprise them with it.
