10. Give of yourself - The gift of your time and attention
makes a great statement about how much someone means to you.
11. Make a kid's day - Giving a child a special day that will
forever be a happy memory will be a win-win you won't soon forget.
12. Write a letter to the editor - If someone in your town (a
teacher, a neighbor, a service provider) did something really great, write to
the editor of your town newspaper to give that person a little extra
acknowledgement. Tell people how this person went out of their way to help.
You'll warm some hearts and maybe cause of positive ripple effect for the
person you thanked publicly.
13. Bring a friend along for the ride - If you get an
opportunity of a lifetime or get ushered up your career ladder by a helping hand,
bring someone you know with you. Do what you can to bring them along. Be that
helping hand to the next person.
14. Share a meal - 'Breaking bread' with somebody or a group
a people is a great way to express your thanks for them. Serve them as if they
were kings.
15. Park yourself in an awesome spot in nature - A majestic
view helps to humble your ego and help you appreciate the richness of your
world.
16. Finger paint - Get dirty finger-painting and feel the
energy going through your fingers as you press through the paint on to the
paper. Feel the privilege of having a body that works.
17. Plant a tree or some flowers (depending on region!) -
There is sanctity to putting living things in the earth to encourage their
growth. You don't have to be a 'tree hugger' to appreciate what the earth has
given you by giving something back to it.
18. Dedicate something to someone significant to you - Say
thank you by honoring someone with a dedication. Whether it's something you
have written or a performance or a book, or maybe even a project, dedicate it
as an acknowledgment.
19. List the people that make your life easier - Write down a
list of people that are in your life that do things with you or for you that
make your life a little easier. Imagine if they were not there and how much
would be on your plate.
20. Give away all you no longer need - Taking stock of your
stuff and seeing it go on to people that can use it, gives you an appreciation
for all you have.
21. Make someone something - Engage your creativity, suspend
judgment and express your thanks for someone by making them a gift. Whether you
have a particular craft or talent is not necessary. Share your creation and
tell the receiver what you did to create it.
22. Help someone feel important - Sing Happy Birthday at your
own birthday party to someone whose birthday closely follows yours. Acknowledge
someone else publicly while you hold the floor. Include someone at the 'head
table' of an event who would not expect to be there. Do something for someone else's
self-esteem.
23. Document someone else's life - Dust off your camcorder
and record an oral history by a family member, friend or interesting
acquaintance. You can even forget the camera and just get someone to talk about
the stories of their life. Just when you think you've been through it all or
you've hear it all, you'll fill with the appreciation for the journey we are
all on.
24. Kidnap a friend or loved one for a day devoted to them -
Show up unexpectedly and steal someone away for a day of activities handpicked
for your friend's enjoyment. Take them to eat their favorite kind of food, take
them to a movie they would love to see, take them to their favorite sporting
event or shopping place. Plan a day that has nothing to do with you. Devote it to
them.