When you want to write the emotion thankfulness, it's important to "show" the emotion your character is experiencing through their physical reactions and dialogue, rather than "tell" it. In this article we provide you with inspiration so you can avoid show; don't tell and immerse your readers in your story.

Thankfulness is the state of being grateful or appreciative of something or someone. It's an emotion that is often associated with recognizing the positive aspects of one's life, relationships, or circumstances. Thankfulness can also be expressed through acts of kindness, such as saying "thank you," or giving gifts or compliments. It is a powerful emotion that can bring joy, contentment, and a sense of fulfillment to one's life.

Different Types of Thankfulness

Here are some different types of thankfulness:

• Gratitude for specific actions or gifts received
• Appreciation for the people in one's life
• Recognition of opportunities or experiences that have enriched one's life
• Acknowledgment of personal growth and progress
• Thankfulness for the simple things in life, such as good health or a beautiful day
• Gratefulness for the support and encouragement of others
• Recognition of the sacrifices made by others on one's behalf
• Thankfulness for second chances or new beginnings
• Appreciation for the beauty and wonder of the natural world

Situations Associated with Thankfulness

Here are some situations where a character might experience the emotion of thankfulness:

• Receiving a meaningful gift or unexpected favor
• Being recognized for a job well done
• Overcoming a challenging situation with the help of others
• Reconnecting with a loved one after a long time
• Being shown kindness or generosity by a stranger
• Recovering from an illness or injury
• Achieving a long-term goal or dream
• Witnessing acts of heroism or selflessness
• Being surrounded by a supportive community

Physical Reactions to Thankfulness

Here are some physical reactions a character experiencing thankfulness might have:

• Smiling and laughing
• Expressing gratitude verbally or through writing
• A sense of calmness and contentment
• Giving hugs or physical affection
• Tears of joy or happiness
• A feeling of warmth in the chest or heart area
• Being more open to social interaction and connection with others
• Increased levels of generosity and willingness to help others
• An overall positive outlook on life and the future.

Keep in mind that these signs and behaviors may vary depending on the individual and the situation they are experiencing. It's important to observe and understand the nuances of the emotion and how it manifests in different people.

Thoughts Associated with Thankfulness

Here are some thoughts a character experiencing thankfulness might have:

• I feel so grateful for what I have.
• I appreciate the people in my life.
• I am lucky to have this opportunity.
• I am thankful for the little things that make life better.
• I feel blessed to be alive.
• I am grateful for the kindness shown to me.
• I am humbled by the generosity of others.
• I am thankful for the experiences that have shaped me.
• I feel content with my life as it is.

Atmosphere of Thankfulness

Here are some ways that you might reflect the emotion of thankfulness in the atmosphere of your scene:

• Use descriptions of warm colors like gold, orange, and yellow, which can evoke feelings of gratitude and appreciation.
• Set the scene in a natural setting, such as a park or a forest, to highlight the beauty of nature and the abundance of life.
• Create a cozy atmosphere with comfortable furnishings and soft lighting that can make characters feel grateful for the comfort and security of their surroundings.
• Incorporate symbols of gratitude, such as a Thanksgiving feast or a group of people giving thanks together, to reinforce the theme of thankfulness.
• Have characters express gratitude through their actions, such as helping others or expressing appreciation for what they have.
• Use sensory details to create a sense of abundance, such as the smell of a freshly cooked meal or the sight of a table filled with food, to emphasize the feeling of gratitude for the simple pleasures of life.

Verbs Associated with Thankfulness

Here are some verbs commonly associated with the emotion of thankfulness:

• Appreciate
• Acknowledge
• Recognize
• Cherish
• Praise
• Thank
• Grateful
• Value
• Admire
• Honor
• Treasure
• Bless
• Rejoice
• Celebrate

Emotions Before Thankfulness

Here are some emotions that may come before a character experiences thankfulness:

• Gratitude
• Appreciation
• Relief
• Contentment
• Joy
• Happiness
• Amazement
• Awe
• Humility

Emotions After Thankfulness

Here are some emotions that may come after a character experiences thankfulness:

• Gratitude
• Contentment
• Satisfaction
• Joy
• Relief
• Comfort
• Peace
• Happiness
• Fulfillment

Telling Thankfulness Examples to Avoid

Here are some examples of telling the emotion thankfulness in a sentence. You should avoid things like this:

• I felt grateful for his kind gesture.
• My heart overflowed with gratitude as I looked at my family gathered around the table.
• I could not help but feel thankful for the beautiful sunset that painted the sky.
• Tears of gratitude rolled down my cheeks as I read the letter from my friend.
• I was grateful for the opportunity to start anew.
• She thanked the universe for the love and support that surrounded her.
• I was thankful for the warm blanket that shielded me from the cold.
• I felt grateful for the chance to make things right.
• My heart swelled with gratitude as I remembered all the people who had helped me along the way.

Practical Examples of Showing Thankfulness

Here are some examples of showing thankfulness in a sentence:

• Tears welled up in her eyes as she gazed at the unexpected gift in her hands.
• She couldn't stop hugging her friend, overwhelmed with gratitude for their help.
• With a heart full of appreciation, she wrote a heartfelt note to her mentor.
• The warmth of the sun on his face made him feel grateful for another day of life.

Exercises for Showing Thankfulness

Here are some writing exercises to practice showing thankfulness:

• Have your character make a gratitude list. This could be a list of things or people they are thankful for in their life. Encourage them to go beyond the obvious and really explore what makes them feel grateful.
• Write a scene where your character expresses thanks to someone. This could be a thank you note, a conversation, or even just a gesture of gratitude.
• Create a flashback scene where your character remembers a time when someone did something kind for them, and they felt truly grateful. This can help readers understand what your character values and how they express gratitude.
• Write a scene where your character goes out of their way to do something nice for someone else as a way of showing their gratitude. This could be volunteering, giving a gift, or just offering a kind word.

Want more help with showing emotion instead of telling? You find more help in our full list of emotions.