QUESTION

The Gratitude Letter

Gratitude is a powerful tool for increasing satisfaction because it amplifies good
memories about the past. Additionally, no one person ever becomes whomever he/she
becomes in life without the assistance, encouragement, or influence of many
individuals.
As one proceeds throughout the lifespan, one encounters many individuals along the
way- -parents, friends, teachers, coaches, teammates, professors, employers, siblings,
children and other family members, co-workers, mentors, and so on - who were
especially kind, helpful, and/or influential in your successes.
Persons and events contribute daily in a cumulative effect upon our lives. Often, these
individuals go unrecognized in formal or informal ways. There are many rituals,
dependent upon ethnic heritage, religions, or such, for a diversity of “rites of passage”
that exists throughout the world. However, our society seems to lack gratitude rituals,
formal ways of expressing thanks to those who have done well by us.

Instructions

Think about the people in your life that have significantly contributed to you in some
way. Write a Gratitude Letter to one of these individuals (Mother) describing in concrete
terms why you are grateful. The letter is to be concrete: name specifics the person did
for you and exactly how it affected your life. Tell what you are doing now and how you
often remember their efforts. Make it come alive. *If you are uncomfortable sharing your
own experiences of gratitude create a fictional letter that depicts the importance and
sincerity of gratitude as a concept.
Submit both your letter and your answers to the following questions. Your
answers should be written in complete sentences and provide meaningful elaboration
on the emotionality of your gratitude.
1. How did you feel as you wrote the letter?
2. Have you thought of others with whom you wish to share your gratitude?
3. How do you think this experience will influence, if at all, your current and future
development?
Content: A successful assignment will include:
a. Letter of gratitude.
b. Detailed responses to Questions 1-3.

ANSWER

Dear Mom XXX,
Thank you for everything. You have always been there for me, even when I needed you the
most. You have always been my rock and my protector. I would not be the person I am today
without your love and support. No matter what I was going through, you were always there to
listen and offer your sage advice. I know I did not always take it, but I always appreciated it
nonetheless.
I am also grateful for the sacrifices you made for me throughout my life. I know it was not
easy raising me as a single mother, and there were times when you had to go without me so that I
could have what I needed. You had always believed in me, even when I didn't believe in myself.
You have always pushed me to improve and reach for the stars. Because of you, I have always
known that I can accomplish anything I set my mind. I am so thankful for that.
I am not always the easiest person to deal with, but you have never given up on me. You
have always been there for me, no matter what. I am grateful for your patience, kindness, and
love. I am so proud of the woman you have become, and I know that I will always look up to
you. I hope that someday I can be half the mother that you are. I love you more than you could
ever possibly know.

Sincerely,
Your grateful XXXX

3

Response

I felt very grateful as I wrote the letter. I thought about all the times my mom was there for
me and how she has always been my rock. I also thought about all the sacrifices she has made for
me throughout my life. I know she has not always had it easy, but she has never given up on me.
I am so proud of the woman she has become, and I know I will always look up to her.
I have thought of others with whom I wish to share my gratitude. I am grateful for my
friends, who have always been there for me, and my family, who have always supported me. I
am also thankful for my teachers, who have helped me learn and grow, and those who have
positively impacted my life.
This experience has influenced my current and future development. I am more grateful
than ever for my mother and all she has done for me. I would not be the person I am today
without her love and support. I am also more aware of her sacrifices for me throughout my life,
and I am grateful for that. I know I am not always the easiest person to deal with, but she has
never given up on me. I am so proud of the woman she has become, and I know that I will
always look up to her.