Giving of yourself—whether that be of your time, thoughts, money or thanks—is a personal exercise. And it is one that has real and valuable meaning. This meaning is important because the act of giving should make you feel as good as the person receiving whatever you are offering. It serves as a direct exercise in experiencing gratitude and delivering it to others.

Here are four ways you can meaningfully exercise the act of gratitude this New Year of 2012:

• Tell Someone How Important They Really Are In Your Life – Often times we tell ourselves that giving a gift will demonstrate how we feel about someone important to us:  a significant other, a spouse, or perhaps a good friend or even co-worker. But rather than simply giving them a present, tell them how important they are to you. Let them know you appreciate how they are there for you when you need them, that you appreciate the advice you give (no matter how positive or difficult that may actually be to hear), or that they simply make you laugh and you enjoy their company. You can tell them face to face.  Or, if that is too personal or difficult, let them know in a handwritten letter (not an email). This is a personal exercise, but that is one critical element when experiencing gratitude.
• Thank Your Supporters – Consider telling those people that help you in everyday life that you appreciate their efforts. These are not necessarily close relationships but, never the less, supporters are people that make a difference, no matter how small, in your daily life. This may include a child’s (or your own) teacher, a babysitter, or perhaps a music or athletic instructor. Sit down for 5 minutes and think about how they have helped you or your family this year. And then go tell them personally and specifically that you appreciate what they have done for you or your family this past year, and that you value their help. Doing this is more meaningful as an expression of gratitude than a physical gift.
• • Donate to Charity – This can be a powerful expression of gratitude simply because times are so tough in the current economic environment.  Rather than pulling out the pepper spray at Wal-Mart to get that home entertainment system, set aside some of that money and give it to a charity you find important. It doesn’t have to be a lot of money either. $10 or $20 in this economy can make a big difference. On a personal level, I am amazed at how few people actually give to charity.  Yet this simple act can provide such enormous gratitude from others. Pick a charity that is important to you so you know that the money you are giving supports something you believe in. If you are stuck as to  who or what to give money to, check out www.kiva.org an organization that provides micro loans to help those living in poverty to become self sustaining entrepreneurs. Or have a look at www.kickstarter.com, a fast growing and very clever crowd sourced giving community that funds personal projects for people who may not be able to get important projects off the ground otherwise.

   

  And if you simply don’t have the money, give some of your time. Charitable organizations always need support. Help a food drive collect goods or distribute them. Or just volunteer your time for a few hours in a way that can help an organization.

  • Thank Someone You Don’t Even Know – This last suggestion is something that is truly missing in the national conversation right now given the political polarization that currently exists. Try to transcend that regardless of your beliefs and tell someone you don’t even know that you appreciate what they do. Perhaps this is the checkout person at your neighborhood grocery store, your gardener, or a school crossing guard.

  This new year 2012, take an active role in the process of giving of yourself to others and give the gift of gratitude. It doesn’t have to cost a lot and the personal meaning can be the greatest gift of all.