Not too long before the days of email and texting there was the art of letter writing and the proper thank you note. It seems saying thank you has become an unconscious thought and often the etiquette of handwriting a note is replaced with a quick electronic message. How can gratitude really be expressed in a meaningful way?  Following are 5 suggestions to express thanks and gratitude that are as timeless as the thank you note and even more meaningful.

1. Random act of kindness. Doing something nice for someone else without any thought of what you’d get in return can be considered a random act of kindness. It shows that you are grateful, not for what someone did for you, but for the fact that you are able to give to someone else.

2. Look for the good in any situation.  No matter how bad something is that happens in your life, you can find something good from it.  Even the loss of a loved one can bring about gratitude for the wonderful time you did have together. When you forget all the good years, you are in a sense not remembering to be grateful.  When you are grateful for what you had together it will lessen the pain.

3. Give unique gifts.  There are many different gifts that you can give to show your gratitude.  Make the gift specific to the recipient. It shows that you have given it thought and care. Caring is an expression of gratitude.

4. Be happy. Sounds simple, but by living in a positive, happy way you show that you are grateful for all the good in your life.

5. Lift others.  You have a real power when you can turn a conversation from negative to positive.  When someone is complaining about what they don’t have or can’t do, point out what you see they do have and can accomplish. Not only will you be helping them feel better about themselves, but you can turn the direction of the entire conversation.

Gratitude is shown not just by the gifts we give or words we say, but in the way we live our lives.  Live in the spirit of gratitude.