We invite you to explore one of the Y’s core values, caring, by practicing and sharing gratitude with your family, friends, or neighbors.  

Materials Needed:  

• Writing utensil: Pen, pencil, marker etc.  
• Paper 
• Scissors 

Instructions

The premise of this activity is quite simple: cut your paper into smaller sections (start with six pieces) and on each section write a character compliment about a person you are hoping to show gratitude towards.  

For example, if I wanted to show gratitude for my neighbor I could write: “John, thank you for always going out of your way to ask how I am doing and for always being willing to share your knowledge when I have questions about electricity.” 

Remember, a character compliment is saying something nice about a person’s character so think about their actions and how they make you feel. Try to stay away from physical compliments like, “you’re tall and good at basketball.”

Once you write on all your pieces of paper, you just give them to the person they are about! One variation: if the person you want to show gratitude toward lives far away, send a letter through the mail or email. You can send a thoughtful message to the same effect!