Normally when talking about ways to express gratitude, I talk about keeping a gratitude journal, or writing handwritten thank you cards.

Today, I want to talk about 5 lesser known ways to show gratitude:

1) Flash A Smile: A lot of people don't smile these days, and often you have to be the one that initiates it. But not only does smiling make you feel good, smiling at someone will make their day too. Smile more and watch how your day can instantly turn around. While you're at it, give compliments too. Be sincere - find something about the person that you appreciate and let them know.

2) Do Something Unexpected For Someone: It's a great feeling to have someone bring home flowers unexpectedly, have dinner ready on the table, or give a hug out of nowhere. Surprise someone for no reason and brighten her or his day.

3) Go Complaint Free For 21 Days: Do you think you could stop complaining for 21 days straight? Complaining feels good because it gets out our negative feelings. However, if it becomes a habit, it can bring us down. Switching from complaints to all of life's goodness will enhance our lives.

4) Celebrate Your Wins: Be thankful for your successes. Write down all that you've accomplished this past year, which you may not even realize how many there are, and then savor these successes rather than thinking about what you didn't accomplish. Wanna start small? Start a wins journal and write down all your wins from yesterday, big or small. And then celebrate! :)

5) Share A Positive Review: We often only write reviews when we have something negative to say. Share a positive review about a place you stayed or a service you received on a website like Yelp or Trip Advisor to help support a business.