I love Thanksgiving.
It’s hands down my favorite holiday. Not because of the food, although the food is great, but because of the purpose behind it.
It’s a moment in the year when we step back, relax, and reset. Work slows down just enough to breathe, and life starts to ramp up as we move into the holiday season. The rhythm changes. The pace shifts. And for a brief window, we get permission to focus on the things that really matter: family, friends, and black friday deals ; ).
In all seriousness, Thanksgiving reminds us to give thanks.
Not in a big performative way, but in a quiet, steady, grounding way.
This morning, as I was thinking about the week ahead, something struck me:
We shouldn’t limit gratitude to one day or one gathering.
We need subtle ways to express gratitude every day, especially as life speeds up again.
Gratitude is powerful. It lifts our mood, strengthens our relationships, and helps us see the good that’s already present. But sometimes the way we think about gratitude becomes too big and lofty. We wait for the perfect moment, the heartfelt speech, or the grand gesture, and we miss the small opportunities right in front of us.
So I want to offer a suggestion this week:
Let’s practice subtle acts of gratitude by finding simple, intentional expressions that remind others that they matter.
Here are three subtle shifts you can try this week:
1. Notice and name something specific
Generic gratitude is nice, but specific gratitude lands differently.
Instead of saying, “Thanks for your help,” try:
“I really appreciated how you stayed calm during that tough conversation today. It helped the family step into a meaningful conversation.”
Specificity tells someone you actually saw them.
It says, “You’re not invisible. What you did mattered.”
2. Express gratitude behind someone’s back
This one might be my favorite.
Say something kind about someone to someone else, without them knowing you said it.
“I just want you to know how impressed I’ve been with Jamie’s leadership lately.”
When that compliment finds its way back, and it usually does, it amplifies its impact. It feels authentic and earned.
3. Turn appreciation into belief
Gratitude isn’t only about what someone has done.
It’s also about who they are and who they’re becoming.
Try saying:
“I’m grateful to work with you, and I really believe in where you’re headed.”
Gratitude anchored in belief creates momentum.
It lets people feel seen not just for their past effort, but for their potential.
None of these take much time or require a grand gesture. But they all create connection, encouragement, and warmth, and these are the things we need most as we round out the year and step into a new one.
So as you head into Thanksgiving, enjoy the food, the family, and the football, but also look for those subtle opportunities to express gratitude in meaningful ways.
Those small moments can make a big difference.
