Ripple Starter
Find the perfect words, people, and reasons to express your gratitude.
Gratitude is powerful, but knowing where to start can feel daunting after the first month. This page is your guide to making your Gratitude Practice easy, meaningful, and most importantly, sustainable. Whether you’re looking for the right words, the perfect recipient, or a spark of inspiration, you’ll find plenty of ideas here to help you share your thanks and create ripples of kindness.
Keep it simple, heartfelt, and sustainable
The key to making your gratitude practice stick is removing unnecessary hurdles. You don’t need to write a novel—sometimes, a simple message like simply “Thank you for all that you do” is enough to convey your heartfelt appreciation. Anything after that is just a bonus.
Helpful Phrases to Start With:
- “I just wanted to let you know how much I appreciate…”
- “Your kindness made a difference in my day…”
- “Thank you for being someone I can always count on…”
- “I see the effort you put in, and it means so much…”
- “You inspire me with your [specific quality or action]…”
Helpful Phrases to Use in your Gratitude:
- “Your patience and quiet support have helped me more than I can express…”
- “You bring a light to every situation that’s hard to put into words…”
- “Thank you for the countless things you do that no one sees but everyone feels…”
- “Your belief in me, even when I struggled to believe in myself, means everything…”
- “I know you don’t do it for the recognition, but thank you for [specific action]…”
- “If I could bottle the way you make me feel, I’d give it to the world…”
- “Your kindness reminded me of what truly matters in life…”
People Who Could Use a Gratitude Card:
- A friend who showed up when you needed them.
- A family member who offers unwavering support.
- A teacher who made a lasting impression.
- A mentor who shaped your path.
- A neighbor who brightened your day.
- A stranger who surprised you with kindness.
- A coworker who makes workdays easier.
- A healthcare worker who went above and beyond.
- A volunteer whose generosity inspires you.
- A barista who always remembers your order.
Start with WHO
Think about the feeling of gratitude and let it guide you. Is there someone whose actions or presence has touched your life recently? If no one immediately comes to mind, run through this list to spark ideas.
Ponder WHY?
What has someone done — big or small — that mattered to you? Gratitude doesn’t have to be for grand gestures; even subtle acts of kindness or simple words of encouragement deserve recognition. Consider adding one of these reasons to your card.
Reasons for a Gratitude Card:
“Thank you for…”
- For always having a smile when I needed it most.
- For going out of your way to make my day brighter.
- For teaching me something I’ll carry with me forever.
- For supporting me through difficult times without hesitation.
- For believing in me when I couldn’t believe in myself.
- For inspiring me to see the world differently.
- For making ordinary moments feel extraordinary.
- For being a steady presence in my life.
Prompting Questions:
- Who made your day better this week?
- Who taught you something valuable recently?
- Who inspired you to dream bigger or work harder?
- Who showed kindness when you least expected it?
- Who has been a quiet supporter in your life?
- Who always brings a smile to your face?
- Who helped you see things from a new perspective?
- Who stepped up in a way you didn’t expect?
Sometimes you Just Need a Spark
Sometimes the best way to spark gratitude is by asking the right question. Use these prompts to think of the next person who deserves a token of your appreciation.
Extending Your Practice
Gratitude grows with practice. Start small, and watch how it transforms your relationships and your outlook.
Other Resources
- Ready to start your Gratitude Practice? Explore our Gratitude Packs here.
- Check out our Instagram (@WeeklyGratitudes) feed for more ideas and to share your own cards.
- Have a gratitude story to share? Contact us, and we might feature it on our website or Instagram!
- Consider starting a Gratitude Journal. Our favorite ones are from Intelligent Change and Kurzgesagt
- Know someone who could use a Gratitude Pack? Send them one as a gift and inspire their journey!
- Help us grow the Gratitude Challenge! Share your cards or stories on social media and tag @WeeklyGratitudes.
- Leave a review on Etsy or share your experience with friends to inspire more people to embrace gratitude.
- We love feedback – email us with what we can do better.
“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is ‘thank you,’ it will be enough.”
Meister Eckhart