It’s a tradition in our household. Every February 2nd we watch the movie “Groundhog Day”. The story is rather simple. Having dedicated much of his adulthood to expressing his dissatisfaction with his station in life through sarcasm and snide comments, Phil Connors finds himself at an impasse. He keeps living the same day over and over.
Phil cycles through periods of fear, apathy, self-destruction, and finally settles in a lifestyle based on behaviors of helpfulness, self-enrichment, and valuing others.
In one notable scene, Phil catches a child who falls from a tree. Since he has lived the same day again and again, Phil knows exactly when to arrive on the scene to catch the falling boy. Exasperated, Phil scolds the boy who simply runs from his rescuer, “You have never thanked me.”
We all like to feel our efforts matter, fussing to make things look nice, or taking special care to ensure the household will have a smooth morning. We do what needs to be done, because it needs to be done. But we don’t necessarily feel appreciated.
A little bit of thankfulness goes a long way. Expressing gratitude is the way we let someone know they have made a difference and their efforts are valued.
“Piglet noticed that even though he had a Very Small Heart, it could hold a rather large amount of Gratitude.” – A.A. Milne
Gratitude can look like a smile, an “I appreciate you”, a simple note, or a thoughtful gift. If we get into the practice of regularly acknowledging those for whom we are grateful, gradually we will shape their existence, as well as our own.
People who feel appreciated continue their labors with a joyful heart, and we will become “glass half-full” types who seek the positive in our experiences.
“If you want to turn your life around, try thankfulness. It will change your life mightily.” – Gerald Good
Click image to download your tags.
Download a Set of Printable Tags to Attach to Your Gestures of Gratitude
I have created a set of tags you may use to spread gratitude. I can think of several ways to use these circular sentiments.
- Write a note on the back and leave it where someone will find it
- Use as a gift tag for a token of appreciation.
- Use double-sided tape and affix two circles together. Attach to a bamboo skewer and place it in a bouquet of flowers.
- Print on sticker paper and use circles to seal gift bags.
Your efforts to express your appreciation for others just got easier. Don’t wait for the Phil Connors in your life to scold you for being ungrateful. Download a set of printable tags reading, “With Thanks”. Print on cardstock and get to “thanking”.
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Thanks, Denise! I love these tags. With Thanksgiving coming up, I was planning to focus on gratitude for the next month, and these tags will make it that much easier, not to mention more fun. I really appreciate it; it’s like you read my mind!
I’m glad you like the tags. I enjoyed making them. Maybe I will create some more tags . . .