Conversations are the catalyst for so much in our relationships - whether that’s at work or home. But how can you make the most of the interactions you have with other people so you can deepen your relationships and build a network that supports you?  These three Cs can help... Curiosity  Next time you have a conversation, take a moment to notice the way you’re listening. For example, are you listening to understand, or are you listening to speak? There’s a big difference. It’s human nature to want to be seen and heard. We like talking about ourselves! But this style of interaction has the potential to erode at the fullness of conversation possible.  When you’re listening to speak, it’s almost impossible to hear what the other person is saying fully. What’s more, because we project our own situations and experiences on to other people, we need to be mindful of the perspective through which we’re hearing another person’s story. Sure, there may be similarities. You may be able to empathize with what the other person is describing. You may think you know exactly how they’re feeling or what they’re thinking.  But do you really?  Curiosity allows you to push aside your assumptions so you can create the space to hear what’s being communicated.  When you set the intention to listen with curiosity, you start to notice the nuances and subtle details that you’d otherwise overlook. In turn, you feel inspired to ask the questions that allow you to explore a little further and go that little bit deeper. You get to ask the questions that help you better understand where a person is coming from.  So next time you sit opposite someone for a chat, be a little more curious. Ask ‘why?’ to deepen your understanding. Bring an open mind and see how it feels to talk with your best friend or partner as if it’s the first time you’ve ever met each other. You’ll likely be surprised at what you discover about each other. Creativity The cousin of curiosity is creativity.  Whereas curiosity unlocks the courage to take your conversations to the next level, creativity inspires you to ask the questions you wouldn’t usually think to ask. In turn, you can unlock new trains of thought entirely and in the process, get to know someone way beyond small talk.  It’s easy to get lazy with conversations. It’s easy to ask the same questions which take you down the same paths, but if we’re not careful, the result is boredom.  What’s more, the longer we know someone, the easier it is to make assumptions and not even bother asking the things that would crack someone open!  Creativity is a great way to make your conversations more adventurous.  Leverage the power of curiosity, and you can unlock parts of someone you’ve never even seen before. For example, you could explore:  • Feelings and emotions• Motivations and drivers• Values and beliefs• Childhood stories and experiences• Hopes and dreams• Learnings and lessons etc.  And if you’re stuck for things to ask, question prompts are a super-easy way to spark a different kind of conversation. So if you’re ready to shake up the chats and catch-ups you have with your friends and family, why not pop an Icebreaker or a Deeper Talk Deck into your toolbox.  Connection  The more connection you can create, the closer you can feel.  The reason we have conversations in the first place is to feel more connected to the people in our world. The feeling of belonging creates a sense of acceptance, and because we’re social beings, this feeling is good for our soul! So how do you create meaningful connections in your friendships and relationships? Here are some techniques to try: Make eye contact. They say that the eyes are the doorway to the soul, and I think there’s some truth in that. Making eye contact indicates to the other person that you’re genuinely listening and that they have your full attention. [There’s nothing worse than being vulnerable to find the person you’re speaking with is distracted]. When you make the other person feel seen and valued, they’re more likely to be open with you - even up their level of vulnerability.Active listening. Conversation is one of the most effective ways to get to know another person. Similar to genuine eye contact, when you demonstrate that you’re truly listening, you’ll hear a lot more. Set the intention to master the three levels of listening and see how your effectiveness in conversations soar. Build rapport through mirroring. Have you noticed that people like people who are like themselves? We instinctively gravitate to people who have similar interests and values to us because likeness makes us feel understood. You can create this feeling of rapport by actively mirroring the body language of the person you’re speaking with. Now, this isn’t a game of Simon Says! That can get awkward, but notice what happens if you match the way they’re sitting or holding their arms. It’s interesting to know that while we can consciously mirror someone else, we also do this instinctively. You’ll likely notice this if you’re people-watching in a café or a restaurant. Watch a little closer, and you’ll see how friends start to match each other!  Conversation is one of the most powerful ways to deepen your relationships with other people.  Best of all, it’s a skill you can sharpen and even master with the right tools and intention. So make it your mission to evoke curiosity, creativity, and connection next time you have a chat with someone. Who knows what’s going to open up as a result.

The fairytales lied - and we’re still reeling from the shock!  Just think of all those princess movies that ended after the first kiss.  How we enjoyed the thrill of the chase and the ‘will they or won’t they’ dance.  How we celebrated the promise that two soulmates would live happily ever after! But the fairytales didn’t tell us the full story... They didn’t tell us that relationships need work, energy, and attention! They didn’t tell us that when the honeymoon phase wears off, the chemistry changes! They didn’t tell us that relationships could be so triggering and challenging!  No wonder we can end up feeling disappointed.  But here’s the thing... Regardless of where you are in your relationship, there are practical things you can do right now to make an impact and create happily ever after.  Here are FIVE… Spark meaningful conversations Remember how in the beginning you could stay up talking all night? Don’t worry; you’re not alone.  It’s not uncommon for conversation to shrivel up over time as you get to know each other better. Things change. Once you’ve asked all the ‘who are you’ questions and you’ve exhausted all your childhood stories, you can run out of things to discuss.  What’s more, life is busy. We have hectic work schedules, and by the end of the day, it can feel more comfortable to switch off in front of Netflix rather than have a heart-to-heart! The trouble is a lack of conversation in a relationship is a big problem - because conversations spark a deeper connection together.  When we talk, we keep the lines of communication open. In turn, we’re less likely to make incorrect assumptions about each other. Conversation acts as a check-in to see if we’re on the same page; or whether we’re heading off on separate paths. Talking keeps you connected - even as you go about living your individual lives. That’s why you can have a massive impact on your relationship if you spark meaningful conversation. All you have to do is:  • Get curious about each other.  • Use a tool such as the Intimacy Deck to explore topics you’ve not discussed before.  • Make space to chat together without distractions.  I promise this simple action will bring you closer together.  Bring 100%  You’ll struggle to create a thriving relationship if you only bring 50% - expecting your partner to make it up to 100%.  You can’t expect magic if you go into a relationship half-heartedly. If you’re only giving 50%, you’re holding back. You’re not giving your all. You’re coming in with the expectation that your partner needs to pick up the slack.  You’ll make a deeper impact on your partner and your relationship if you bring 100%.  You’ll have a better relationship too if you decide to take 100% responsibility for what happens between you both.  Despite what you think, this mindset isn’t about carrying an unfair amount of weight. Instead, it’s about reclaiming your power to create the most incredible relationship possible.  If you’re only 50% in, you’ll never know how good things could be. You’ll always be waiting to see what your partner might do.  But choose to be 100% responsible, and then the results are all up to you. There’s no one to blame or nowhere to put excuses. If you’re 100% responsible, you’re not waiting for your partner to bring out the best in you; instead, you know you’ve got to do that for yourself.  Then the most beautiful thing happens… If you bring your best, chances are you’ll draw out your partner’s best.  And if the relationship doesn't work out, at least you’ll know you gave it everything; meaning you can walk away with closure knowing that you didn’t squander a beautiful opportunity.  Make space for date nights Making time for your relationship is so essential in our busy lives.  When you’ve got housework to take care of, errands to run, and kids to look after, it’s so easy to neglect quality time for each other. Don’t!  Getting creative around date night is a great way to give to your partner, create beautiful memories together, and keep your relationship alive.  What’s more, it doesn’t have to cost you a fortune either!  Check out what James from the BestSelf Co. Team and his partner decided to do together.  Date Night Challenge with James from Best Self Co on Vimeo.   Invest in your relationship daily  Monthly date nights are powerful.  They give your relationship an injection of energy and the feel-goods after your quality time together fuels you forwards.  But what about the time in-between?  Whatever we focus on and work on compounds.  And the more actions you take in the right direction, the more you have to compound.  If you want to impact your relationship, think about what you could do every day to strengthen your love. It doesn’t have to be a massive gesture. Instead, you could consider actions such as:   • Bringing your partner coffee in bed • Telling your partner something you appreciate about them • Popping a love note into their lunch box  • Sending an “I love you” text message  • A shoulder or foot rub • Taking care of tasks and errands you know they hate  • Putting away your phone for 100% distraction-free time together • Running a bubble bath etc.  Getting into a habit of daily relationship ‘work’ can make a profound difference in the closeness you feel for each other.  So set yourself a reminder to do something. Use a habit tracker to make your actions autopilot. Not only will your partner feel more loved, but you’ll enjoy the feeling of knowing your efforts are making a meaningful impact.  Fill your own cup first It might surprise you to see that taking care of yourself is on a list of ways to impact on your relationship.  Here’s the thing… I could easily have put this point first.  You can’t pour from an empty jug. You can’t offer what you don’t have to give.  If you’re always giving and you’re not making time to take care of your own needs, resentment for your partner will soon build. And that can become toxic.  Self-care mustn’t be an afterthought either. It’s a priority. Make quality time in your schedule to do the things you love. PLUS, do them without feeling selfish [because it’s not].  Your self-care time is like putting gas into a car. It’s the fuel that energizes and revitalizes, so you’re in a position to give 100% to your relationship.  You’ll find a ton of self-care ideas as well as tips for scheduling quality time into your schedule HERE.  Which of these will you commit to doing? Make an impact and deepen your love Thriving relationships are one of the most rewarding things we get to cultivate.  Moving through life and sharing time with someone you love is THE most beautiful thing.  You deserve to have THE most incredible relationship possible. So use these strategies to make an impact on your partner.  And in the process, enjoy how these shifts make an impact on you too as. That’s the beautiful thing about relationships… they also draw out your best self. 

"You can have everything in life you want if you will just help enough other people get what they want" — Zig Ziglar You could say that the quality of your relationships equals the quality of your life. There’s only so far you can go by yourself. In order to achieve your full potential and create a deeply fulfilling life, you need the right people in our corner. From love and support to companionship and problem-solving, your relationships can empower and inspire you every day.  There’s a super simple way to cultivate relationships that bring out your best.  All you’ve got to do is use conversations as a catalyst. And when you’re talking, remember to use the three levels of listening.  Let me explain... Level 1 - Internal listening  The majority of conversations tend to remain at level #1. This is the most superficial form of listening where we listen to speak. Internal listening happens when you interpret what you hear in relation to what the words mean to you. For example, if someone is talking about a vacation, you’d start thinking about your own vacations and your own experiences. Then, when you get a chance, you start sharing your story with the other person.  Alternatively, if someone was sharing about their latest diet, you’d apply your own judgements and assumptions based on your own experiences of dieting.  There’s nothing wrong with this type of listening, but be aware that your internal dialogue is running the show here. You might have heard what the other person said, but that doesn’t mean you understand where they are at.   Level 2- Listening to understand  “You can make more friends in two months by becoming interested in other people than you can in two years by trying to get other people interested in you.”— Dale Carnegie Level #2 listening happens when you turn down your inner dialogue and focus fully on what the other person is saying. Instead of being distracted by your own stuff, you listen intently so you better understand what another person wants to say.  This level of listening goes beyond hearing alone. By observing the speaker’s tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions as well as the words, you can better understand what they mean.  As the listener, you demonstrate your understanding by paraphrasing what you hear, making eye contact, mirroring body language, and responding with appropriate nods and affirmatives.  Level 2 conversations are more satisfying from a listener’s perspective because they feel properly seen and heard.  It’s a practice that can take your relationships to the next level.  Level 3 - Global listening  “The meeting of two personalities is like the contact of two chemical substances: if there is any reaction, both are transformed.”– Carl Jung Level 3 listening includes everything that happens at level 2 with the addition of intuition.  Have you ever been deep in a conversation with someone only to have a hunch about what they’re leaving unsaid or a strange need to ask a particular question?  If so, that’s global listening - where you’re able to take the context of the conversation and the environment into account to dig deeper and uncover what’s really going on. This level of listening takes conversations [and therefore your relationships] to deeper levels. That’s because intuition opens doors that nobody even knew existed - until intuition opened them. In turn, your conversations are more satisfying because you end up talking about the meaty stuff that usually stays buried and hidden.  We all want to be seen and heard for who we really are. “I like to listen. I have learned a great deal from listening carefully. Most people never listen.” – Ernest Hemingway Talking can come easy!  After all, there’s always something to talk about - from the weather to sport, to where you’re taking your next vacation.  Small talk topics are great at getting a conversation started, but can you ever really know someone properly if you stick with these ‘safe’ surface-level topics?  Bringing higher-level listening skills to social interactions will transform what you get out of the conversations you have. Instead of making a contact, you can make a friend. Instead of adding a number to your phone, you can make an ally. Instead of boring small talk, you can come away inspired by someone else’s life and insights.  So go that extra mile.  Become aware of when you’re listening to talk.  Then take a pause and see what happens when you shift from level 1 listening into level 2 and even level 3. Make a decision to truly understand who the other person is and what they want to say and enjoy how your relationships deepen as a result. You’ve got this! 

Meet the Intimacy Deck Packed with 150 conversation starters, the Intimacy Deck is designed to spark the deep and meaningful conversations that bring you closer together. Whether you’re long-term married or just starting out, the Intimacy Deck can deepen your love. Here’s how… Unlock the power of conversation “Be brave enough to start a conversation that matters.” - Margaret Wheatley One of the most important things for a successful relationship is to feel deeply connected to another person. We want to feel seen and heard for who we really are. We want to feel that our partner understands us. This is why meaningful conversation is so critical. Talking helps you get on the same page as each other. It helps you feel united, which in turn makes it easier to resolve conflict, connect around your values, and feel that your relationship is growing. In comparison, when conversation stops, that feeling of connection can dissolve. The reasons are many, but familiarity can feel stale and it’s all too easy to get caught up in the autopilot of life. Work piles up, kids absorb your time, and when the evening comes all you want to do is switch off and binge watch Netflix! Goodbye quality time together! Worst still, it’s tempting to feel that you know your partner and therefore make assumptions about who they are and what they’re thinking.We rely on love holding us together [because that’s what the fairytales and romantic comedies promise], forgetting that relationships take work!Good news! There’s a super-easy way to ‘work’ on your relationship… simply commit to a conversation habit. This ‘work’ doesn’t have to feel contrived. Remember the mantra ‘what gets planned gets done’? Get together and choose a time to fit this ritual into your daily routine.Make your conversation time deep talk time. Dig into subjects that help you get to know each other on a deeper and deeper level. Allow curiosity to lead the way and figure out how your partner thinks and feels about various topics. For example, you could talk about: Hopes & dreams Your feelings Your values and beliefs Your wants and needs  And if these deeper conversations feel confronting, the Intimacy Deck has your back! How many times have you wanted to ask your partner something, but you felt awkward or uncomfortable - even embarrassed? The Intimacy Deck asks the questions - so you don’t have to. And with 150 prompts to talk through, that’s a LOT of conversations! How you use the deck is up to you. You can work through a question at a time, or pick a topic at random. And if you’re looking for creative ways to weave this tool into your relationship, here are 10 to get you started. 1. Date night! Do you naturally default to the same topics of conversation on date night? Work, kids, what you’re going to do at the weekend? While these topics are important, things can get predictable if your conversations feel repetitive. The Intimacy Deck helps turn date night into a conversation that lasts all night long! Pick a prompt and see where the question takes you. Perfect for disappearing down rabbit holes you didn’t know existed. Ideal for keeping things fresh and exciting. Designed to nurture intimacy. 2. Before bed ritual End the day with a meaningful conversation by pulling a prompt and talking about it together. It’s a great way to feel deeply connected and close before you drift off to dreamworld. 3. Over dinner Do you have a tendency to fiddle with your phone over dinner? Our phones are so integrated into our lives, often they feel like an extension of who we are. But when the latest notification draws you away from the person in front of you, we forget what’s most important. Get in the habit of putting away your phone and pulling an Intimacy prompt instead. It’s a simple ritual that increases connection and stops you from being overly distracted by the digital world. 4. When you’re feeling disconnected Still seething after a fight. Too tired to strike up a conversation. Feeling bored and frustrated and lacking energy? Again the Intimacy Deck can help. Pull a card and let the question focus your attention. You never know… once you get talking, you may not want to stop! 5. Send a text Want to move beyond emojis and small talk in your text messages? Pick a card, take a photo, and send to your beau. It’s a great way to spark connection when you’re apart - even strike up a conversation that continues when you’re back home. 6. Long-distance love Long-distance love is tough. The Intimacy Deck is here to keep you talking and feeling close - even when there are miles between you. Hold virtual date nights or start your conversation with a prompt - anything goes. 7. At work? Here’s an interesting example of the Intimacy Deck in action. Check out this video and discover how one wedding photographer uses intimacy questions to inspire incredible photographs of loved-up couples on their big day. 8. On a journey Planes, trains, and automobiles! Long journeys offer the time to dive deep into a conversation. In fact, those conversations can be just as important as the trip itself. Take some prompts with you and chat away in the car, at the airport, or in the cafe during a layover. Not only does a good conversation make the time go faster, but it can make you feel more connected too. 9. On vacation You’re in a different place with different weather, and no work to think about! Escaping the day-to-day routine is one of the best things about a vacation. When you’re surrounded by new things and you don’t have to worry about the everyday stuff, you discover new things about yourself and your partner. The Intimacy Deck can help ignite these discoveries by sparking conversations with your partner that go somewhere. 10. Reflect on your conversations You could write the date that you answer the question, or write in your journal about how the conversation made you feel. This can be a powerful way to track how your discussions help your relationship grow. Get Your Intimacy Deck Today! One of our top-sellers, the Intimacy Deck has rave reviews. Life is all the sweeter when we’re surrounded by people who we love. The Intimacy Deck is here to get you talking - so you can take your relationship to the next level. Whether you've been married for years or you’ve only just met, use this deck to spark deeper connections by exploring conversations you’ve likely never had. Get yours today!

Picture the scene. It was August 2005, I was solo travelling in Sinai, Egypt, and I just met the man I was going to marry. When we first met, we were inseparable! We’d stay up all night chatting, there was always more to say, and we did everything together. We were each other’s everything! Yep, as cliched as it sounds, that whirlwind romance became a turning point that changed the trajectory of my life. Fast-forward 14 years and despite all the odds, my love and I have three children and 13 years of marriage under our belt. But it’s not all been a fairytale! Relationships are HARD! When you’re past that honeymoon period, boy does it get tough - especially when children come along [they don’t tell you that, do they!] Suddenly, you don’t have eyes for each other alone. Instead, small people become the center of your universe, and your one-to-one time alone takes a hit! But that’s not all… away from the sea air, desert views, and diving during that summer in Dahab, is ‘real-life’! Back in the UK, we had work, day-to-day chores, and all kinds of priorities demanding our attention. With so many things competing for your attention, energy, and time, it’s all too easy to stop talking with your partner. Then before you know it you’re drifting apart :( Of course, you don’t intend to get to this place. Instead, you just don’t have the energy. You convince yourself there’s always tomorrow to make more effort, but familiarity breeds complacency. Days merge into weeks, and with hindsight, you can see you’ve made the fatal mistake of forgetting that relationships [along with everything else you care about] NEED WORK! Here’s the weird thing… We think nothing about investing in courses and tools that help us build our business, crush our career, or close the gaps in our skills. But when it comes to relationships, it somehow feels odd to admit you may need to create rituals or routines that keep your love healthy. Surely if you really love each other, your relationship should get better and better without any intervention? Wrong! The passing of time changes us. We grow and evolve through life’s triumphs and challenges. In other words, you’re not the person you were when you first met your partner. In short, if you want to grow together, you have to proactively create routines and habits that keep things fresh, alive, and exciting - otherwise, you’ll drift apart. And one of THE most important things you can do to strengthen your love [or rekindle a stale relationship] is to talk. I’m not talking about chit-chat or surface-level chatter. I’m talking about the deep, meaningful conversations that cultivate connection, demand vulnerability, and encourage you to reveal more of yourself to the one you love. And if you keep reading, I’ll show you the EASIEST, most fun, and most non-intrusive way to do it :) Enter Prompt Decks... This summer, my family and I spent three weeks in Spain. It was lush :) We slept in this lovely log cabin by the most beautiful lake. The weather was warm, the kids could roam free, and we spent stacks on time wild swimming and paddleboarding. Phones were off, and the TV wasn’t an attraction. Instead, my husband and I spend the evenings sat on the porch, soaking up the atmosphere and... TALKING. This is an activity we hadn’t done enough in recent times. We’d got so distracted by so many other demands and pressures; we’d fallen into the dreaded small talk habit. It’s why I packed the Icebreaker Deck in my suitcase. This Discovery Deck contains 150 conversation cards divided into six categories: Life, Random, Deep, Experiences, If you could..? Would you rather…? Every evening, we’d take the Deck outside and use it to spark a conversation. The pattern was always the same… The first couple cards generated short answers and soundbites - and then we’d hit on a question that opened a door into this entirely new space. I remember there was one question in particular that kick-started a conversation that went on for hours about literally everything. We spoke about life, our plans for the future, our desires, where we felt stuck, what we wanted to transform - you name it. We hadn’t spoken like this in a very long time. It makes me tear up as I think about it now. It’s hard to express in words how incredible it felt to experience that deep connection with my husband again. I discovered things about him I didn’t know. I realized we had things in common that I thought only interested me. I noticed topics where we were so aligned and in tune, it brought tears to my eyes. It was the highlight of our vacation… And it was only possible because we proactively made an effort to stimulate deep conversation. My kids love it too! But it didn’t stop there… If you have kids [or you’re a sibling yourself], you’ll know that life isn’t always harmonious! Instead, there are times of bickering and arguing - especially when squashed in the back of the car! I wouldn’t say the Icebreaker Deck was a lifesaver, but it did help - a LOT! My children really, REALLY enjoyed asking questions [although deciding who would hold the cards did raise the blood pressure a little!] It was so beautiful to hear the resulting conversation. My husband and I got to share more with our children - and we got to hear their opinions and thoughts on things I just wouldn’t have thought to ask about. We shared stories of our childhood, things we wanted out of life, experiences, memories, beliefs etc. Somehow, that Deck brought us all a little closer together. And it doesn’t stop there… Decks for everyday life I’ve got the full set of BestSelf Discovery Decks. They sit on our kitchen table so anyone can use them at any time. I love that when boredom creeps in or when we get pulled back into unhelpful habits, those decks are a trigger to create something different. They get us talking. They ‘force’ us to connect, to share more about who we are, and to ask meaningful questions that actually go somewhere. But not only that, because they’re a physical product, they also provide that much-needed respite and detox from digital media and tools. Conversation can be a remedy for so many things. It makes us feel connected, it fuels self-expression, and it can lead to the support and accountability we need to live our best lives. It’s something we can all do… but also something we can get lazy about. Nowadays, it’s all too easy to get lost in your phone. It’s so easy to get pulled away from the people standing in front of you when notifications are whizzing off, and you feel strangely compelled to know what’s happening on social media, in the news, or in the next installment of your favorite boxset! Tech is designed to be irresistible. It’s engineered to suck you in and hold you tight! It’s programed to give you that dopamine hit, so you keep coming back for more. Don’t get me wrong; I wouldn’t want to go back to the pre-internet days. That said, it’s vital to have strategies that keep you rooted in what’s ‘real’. BestSelf Discovery Decks are one of those easy-to-use tools that achieve just that. How To Use Your BestSelf Decks I’m grateful to have daily access to my set of decks. I’ve found there’s no right or wrong way to use them. Instead, they fit into your life - any way you want. Here are some examples of how we’ve used them: 10-minute ritual - ask questions for 10 minutes and see where it leads To kick-start child-free time - the new Intimacy Deck will make this a lot more interesting! Over dinner - so we can move beyond the obvious “how was your day?” While travelling - it’s highly recommended! As a game with my parents - my children LOVED learning more about their grandparents To change your mood and get out of a funk - because questions change your focus Anything goes :) And now it’s your turn… How could you incorporate BestSelf Discovery Decks in your life to spark more conversation, connection, and creativity? There’s only one way to find out! Grab some Decks today and make them part of your everyday life. Just 10-minutes a day with one of the decks, could inspire some pretty transformative results. I’m excited to hear about what opens up for you when add decks to your best self toolbox.

When you’ve got your head down and are hard at work reaching your entrepreneurial goals, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s important. Maybe a project doesn’t go as you would like, a client runs out of money and can’t pay you, or your website gets hacked. These situations are frustrating, but in the grand scheme of things, they are minor compared to all the things you have to be grateful for. The simple act of feeling and expressing gratitude is powerful. It not only helps you improve your mental well-being; research has shown that it can improve your physical health as well. Despite the benefits, however, it can be hard to make time for gratitude in your daily routine. To help you start practicing gratitude today, we present the following quotes about gratitude from renowned politicians, scientists, philosophers, and more. 1. Giving Thanks to Those Who Have Helped You “We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.” - John F. Kennedy Even if you work for yourself and by yourself, you cannot succeed without the help of others. Whether it’s a mentor who gave you feedback on your first business idea, the first client who took a chance by hiring you, or the parents who encouraged you as a kid, you have someone to thank for where you are today (and where you’re headed). So, take a moment today to send a quick email, text, or message expressing your highest appreciation to one of the people who has helped you out on your entrepreneurial journey. For another expression of the importance of being thankful for the people who have helped you, see how Marcel Proust put it:  "Let us be grateful to the people who make us happy; they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom." 2. The Importance of Expressing Gratitude “Feeling gratitude and not expressing it is like wrapping a present and not giving it.” - William Arthur Ward While there is great power in just writing down what you’re grateful for in your journal, it’s even more powerful to express your gratitude in a public form. This doesn’t mean you have to post constantly to Facebook about how #blessed you are. But you could apply the idea to an annual post on your blog about the things you’re grateful for. Or you could send all your clients (or employees) a yearly holiday card thanking them for working with you. Whatever way you choose, don’t let gratitude stay within you; let it out. 3. Be Thankful for What You Have “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” - Oprah Winfrey Setting goals is crucial to growing your business and getting what you want out of life. But if you focus too much on your aspirations (especially financial ones), you run the risk of being perpetually unhappy. It’s not wrong to want more, but it’s also important to remember that you already have great abundance. Oprah’s quote reminds us of the value of being happy with what we already have, even as we continue to improve ourselves and pursue ambitious goals. Or, as Brian Tracy puts it, "Develop an attitude of gratitude, and give thanks for everything that happens to you, knowing that every step forward is a step toward achieving something bigger and better than your current situation." 4. Gratitude Is the Greatest Virtue “Gratitude is not only the greatest of virtues but the parent of all others.” - Marcus Tullius Cicero While this may sound like a bold statement, it’s also true. If you want to be happy, generous, kind, or whatever other virtues you aspire to, gratitude unlocks the path to reaching them. Take generosity, for example. When you’re grateful for what you already have, then it’s much easier to give your money or time without fear of loss, since you recognize the great abundance already in your life. 5. Gratitude Is True Prosperity “Gratitude for the present moment and the fullness of life now is the true prosperity.” - Eckhart Tolle When we hear the word “prosperity”, maybe we imagine having lots of money, or a beautiful house, or even a large family. These are all nice things to have, certainly, but this quote reminds us that when we’re present in this moment, and grateful for the gift that is life itself, we can reach a form of prosperity that doesn’t require material abundance. As Maya Angelou also wisely put it, "This a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before." 6. Gratitude Transforms “Gratitude turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity… it makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow.” - Melody Beattie When we practice gratitude, we can transform not only our present lives, but also our relationship with the past and our plans for the future. As we’ll explore in the next quote, all the things that have happened in your past have come together to bring you to where you are today. Not all of those experiences were positive, but each had a role in shaping who you are now. 7. You Are the Sum of Your Experiences “Cultivate the habit of being grateful for every good thing that comes to you, and give thanks continuously. And because all things have contributed to your advancement, you should include all things in your gratitude.” - Ralph Waldo Emerson This quote reminds us to pay attention to the little things in life. It’s easy to be excited when you hit a major business milestone, make your first sale, or receive a glowing review from a client. But it’s not as easy to see the smaller reasons for gratitude that come between the big successes: the sunny day that puts you in a good mood, the coffee you drink each morning, or the routine jobs you do each day to make the rest of your business run. As Robert Brault put it, "Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things." 8. Life Is a Miracle “There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” - Albert Einstein To have a chance to live life at all is pretty amazing, if you think about it. The odds of being born are actually quite small, and the odds of you specifically existing are even smaller. Add to that the many advantages you already have that are allowing you to read this article at all, and there’s even more cause for extreme gratitude. You can, as Einstein says, also choose to view it the other way (that nothing is a miracle), but we think he would agree that life is a lot more spectacular if you choose to see the everyday as miraculous. 9.  Don’t Take Things for Granted “When it comes to life the critical thing is whether you take things for granted or take them with gratitude.” - G.K. Chesterton Einstein and Chesterton might seem very different on the surface (the former was a physicist, the letter a theologian and author), but they seemed to agree on the importance of gratitude. Chesterton’s statement is a pithy, memorable encapsulation of how gratitude is ultimately a choice. Life is going to throw lots of challenges your way , but the choice to accept these challenges with gratitude rests with you. Or as Brené Brown put it, "What separates privilege from entitlement is gratitude." 10. Gratitude Reinforces Itself “The more you recognize and express gratitude for the things you have, the more things you will have to express gratitude for.” - Zig Ziglar This quote shows how gratitude is a virtuous cycle. The practice of being grateful opens your eyes to how many other causes there are for gratitude. For example, you might start with being grateful for your friends. From there, you remember the school where you met and the teacher you had who encouraged you to take an unconventional path. And so on and so forth, with the gratitude building on itself. 11. Health Is Cause for Gratitude "Health is the greatest gift, contentment the greatest wealth, faithfulness the best relationship." - Buddha This final life quote from one of the most legendary wise men of all time is a fitting conclusion to our list, for it reminds us that we should be grateful for our health. Good health is easy to take for granted, but it's the foundation for most of the things we want to achieve. Even if it feels like nothing else is going your way, remember that seemingly small things like good health are reasons to be grateful. Cultivate Gratitude Always We hope these inspirational quotes have helped you see that no matter what you’re going through right now in your business or in your life, you still have a lot to be grateful for. With gratitude as your foundation, you can go forward in your pursuits with less fear and more joy, knowing that your life is already full of abundance. Other quote articles you might like… 15 Quotes About Forgiveness That Can Set You Free 40 Intimacy Quotes That Will Leave You Feeling More Connected 18 Entrepreneur Quotes To Keep You Motivated 10 Mindfulness Quotes To Improve Happiness & Eliminate Stress 50 Quotes That Inspire You To Think Bigger, Achieve More, and Enjoy Today

What does it take to give truly thoughtful gifts? Though we love to do it, gift giving can be incredibly stressful. Even with a plan, we always find a way to cast doubts on our choices. When the slippery slope of questions start the gift we're so sure of gets put back on the shelf. We resign ourselves to spending hours wondering around stores second guessing every new choice, until frustrated and tired we settle on a gift card. We reason with ourselves that while this is not one of the most thoughtful gifts, at least they'll get something they really want. The Conundrum of Thoughtful Gifts After the turbulent search for those perfectly thoughtful gifts we are left to wonder... "Why is it so hard to find the right gift?" If you've ever experienced this, you know what we're talking about. The stress of gift giving can consume whole weekends, and even distract from completing other day-to-day priorities. It's the thought that counts. This is supposed to be the easy part, whether we are giving or receiving gifts only a few are ever really sad or mad about the gift itself. Frustration arises when there's a perceived lack of thoughtfulness attached to it. When frustration strikes, even after we've agonized over what gift to get, it's a terrible feeling for all involved. We end up feeling unappreciated for our effort and they're disappointment stings for both sides. How do the best intentions for thoughtful gifts go wrong and what can we do so they don't? Solving the Mystery of Giving Thoughtful Gifts The problem we often run into when selecting gifts is we prioritize only one or two aspects of a gift and slot them into  a few broad categories. We begin to relegate particular types of gifts by age and interests. We tell ourselves things like "This gift is fine for a child, but I'd never give that to an adult." We rationalize, "They like this, but do they like it enough to get them something related to it as a gift?" While age and interest are fine factors to base gift selection on, thoughtfulness is rarely part of this kind of selection intentionally. When we lack intention, using age and interests as the deciding factors can end up making the gift little better than defaulting to a gift card. Which is why justification of buying the gift card can be so easy. In both cases we're not sure what to get our loved ones and the choice boils down to: get what's popular, take a shot in the dark, or buy a gift card. Certainly the gift card is the safest choice. But we don't want to give safe gifts, we want to give incredible ones! So how do we insert thoughtfulness back into gift selection? The answer is three fold, and it focuses on some little thought about factors of what creates the perception of a truly thoughtful gift anyone can appreciate. Even if it's not exactly what they asked for or have a huge price tag. Aim for your gifts to fulfill one aspect of each to find a great thoughtful gift! Focus on Longevity Intent for longevity on a gift indicates how long the gift is intended to bring joy. At one end, some things are intended for novelty, are perishable, or cheaply made so they aren't likely to last, sometimes even past one use. While at the other end some specialty items are intended to last generations, and everything in between. Depending on the type of celebration, one could be far more appropriate than the other. Walk around any store and you'll find things are designed, and made to fulfill exactly these contexts. So think about how long you really expect the gift to last in the life of your loved one. \ So ask yourself: "Is this the kind of gift I want to last a lifetime, a few years, a few months, a few days, or a few minutes? A Note: Don't underestimate the power of a  gift with limited longevity! When recalling an experience, one of the largest contributing factors to our decision of whether we remember them fondly or otherwise is how they end. In this way a gift that provides a momentary burst of joy which resolves quickly can be thoughtful gifts indeed! Focus on Message Focus on message will keep your gift relevant to the experience your creating for a loved one. No matter what gift you give, you are sending a message with it.  You could be telling the person any number of things about your relationship with them. This is what makes gift giving so much fun and exciting! Maybe you want to show you notice them or take an interest in what they like. You could be showing them you recognize their challenges or support their endeavors.  Your gift could also be intended to show just how much you care, or to create a memory that lasts a lifetime. So ask yourself: Will this gift strengthen our bond through laughter, sharing, conversation, mutuality, or remembrance? Note: Let go of framing your gifts as what people "NEED", giving gifts isn't about need. If someone needs something that's just taking care of them. Never wait to fulfill the needs of a loved one. Needs are much too important to be put on hold. Focus on the Experience Focusing on the experience of receiving a gift will really add that extra WOW factor! We like getting things, but things aren't what we remember or what we value. Rather it's the experience of using or doing those things that make a gift both thoughtful and memorable. So, use the senses to amplify the experience and message of your gift! If the gift is funny then package it in a silly way, rig a cheap gag so when they open the gift a curly snake pops out! If it's an emotional gift take some time and extra care in the wrapping, attach a nice handwritten note for a stronger impact. When your gift is romantic, give it a little spray of a nice smell. Maybe your gift is meant to comfort and would benefit from having something soft included as a tiny add-on gift before they open the big gift.  Some gifts come best after a speech or a song, if they are meant to be in appreciation of someone. Amplify the elements of sight, sound, touch, and smell with your gift and it will take your gift giving skills to a whole new level! So ask yourself: What type of experience will amplify the overall message of the gift? Note: It's the smallest details that make the biggest impact. When you've put thought into how someone receives the gift, how the gift will be meaningful to our relationship, and are clear on the longevity we expect from the gifts we give there is no doubt of it's thoughtfulness! The Most Important Part of Thoughtful Gifts Last but not least, don't give your gift and let the interaction end there. Engage with the recipient about the gift! Ask questions about it, share in the consumption, go and watch them enjoy the gift you've given. Be present during the initial excitement and help them have a good time. The whole point of thoughtful gifts is to appreciate, celebrate, and bring loved ones together. They don't have to be huge sweeping gestures, they don't have to cost exorbitant amounts of money, they don't even have to be something people are expecting or have asked for. They just have to mean something for your relationship with your loved one. Spread the Love Sharing stories is one of our most powerful tools to inspire and motivate. We want everyone, to find their perfect gifts and most importantly connect with your loved ones during any special event!