Those things worth doing take practice.  Although the gratitude or appreciation you might feel for a friend, family member, teacher, coach, neighbor, or co-worker may be spontaneous, the act of recognizing or articulating your feelings may not be.  Below are a few ideas that you might consider the next time appreciation “strikes” and something you can to do make sure it strikes more often.

1.  Send someone a mini-tribute

Go to http://www.isAbsolutelyRemarkable.com.  Type in your friend’s first and last name and voila!  You have created a unique, personalized mini-tribute that you can cut-and-paste into an email, write out on a card (like we do on our business cards at Remarkable Tributes), or use the form on the site and we’ll send it for you.  It is free, takes a couple of seconds, and is super fun.    People love receiving them and say things like “too cute!”, “that is awesome,” and “Amazing.  Made my day, maybe even my week.  Thank you.”  (just a few of the actual notes we’ve received after sending one).  Share a smile!

2. Create a Tribute

For a more special occasion, you can create a full-blown, collaborative tribute book or website at http://www.RemarkableTributes.com.  Invite your friends.  Share your photos, greetings, stories, and memories.  As our customer Kim told us, ““there are so many things Remarkable Tributes could be used for. Milestone birthdays, milestone work anniversaries, retirement gift, welcoming a new member to the family (ie, birth, adoption, marriage), going away gift, class reunion (let each graduate add a picture and bio), graduations, school history, and more.”

3. Remind Yourself

Often even our best intentions to appreciate a co-worker or friend can get sidelined by other priorities or activities.  So, copy and send yourself via email the drawing below.  Print it out and hang it in your office.  Tape it to your mirror or your computer monitor.  Any place where it can serve as a constant reminder.  Sometimes it doesn’t take much to let someone know how much they mean to us.  Keep your gratitude in the forefront of your mind with this little reminder.

appreciate

The drawing above is free to use for non-commercial purposes.  If you post it on your blog or the like, include credit to Jennifer Davis and include a link to http://jenniferbdavis.blogspot.com.