You may remember me mentioning a few weeks back that every Sunday, I take time to reach out to a few people who might need support or recognition.

It’s a practice I’ve held close to my heart and maintained without fail — a small act of gratitude that’s become one of my most meaningful rituals. And although it’s not quite Sunday, I’ve been reflecting on the profound impact that gratitude has had on my life this year.

We often measure our progress in metrics — goals achieved, milestones reached, numbers hit. But as I look back on 2024, what stands out isn’t the ultras completed, the business goals hit, or the number of things I checked off my to-do list (although they do play a part!)

It’s the people who made these achievements meaningful. The ones who stood by my side when the going got tough, who celebrated the victories, who listened to me talk about the same thing until it was out of my system and who helped me find clarity in moments of doubt.

And today, I invite you to pause for a moment to think about those who have made your life better or easier this year. This could be anyone — a friend, a mentor, a partner, a teammate — someone who has been a cornerstone in your journey and shone a light on your path.

Someone you’ve shared beautiful moments with, who stood by your side at your lowest, who celebrated you at your highest, who pushed you, inspired you, challenged you, supported you.

Get honest with yourself, and ask — do they truly know how much they mean to you?

Can they see themselves through your eyes, as the extraordinary individual they are? Can they perceive their own worth and the impact they’ve had on your life?

In most cases, I feel pretty certain in saying that the answer is no.

The most selfless among us, those who consistently show up for others, rarely receive the recognition they deserve. They’re often the last to see the profound impact they have on those around them.

And this is where we come in.

We’re in a season of reflection and giving, and some of the most beautiful, cherished gifts in life are the ones that reflect unspoken words — where we give someone the opportunity to see the mark they’ve left on our lives.

I’ve witnessed this transformation hundreds of times through my Sunday practice. The surprise in someone’s voice when they receive an unexpected message of gratitude. The quiet pause as they absorb what they’ve meant to someone else. The realisation that their presence, often taken for granted by themselves, has been a source of strength for others.

It’s these moments that remind me why I started this practice in the first place. Because gratitude isn’t just about saying thank you — it’s about helping others see their own light, their own worth, and their own impact on the world.

Think about how they’ve touched and transformed your life.

How they made you believe, laugh, cry, smile, and made this messy game of life that little bit easier and more enjoyable. These aren’t small things.

They’re the very essence of what makes life rich and meaningful.

So here’s what I want to invite you to do.

Choose one to three people who have significantly impacted your life this year, and take the time to reflect on how they made your better, easier, or simply less painful.

Did they have your back when the going got tough?
Did they help you put the pieces back together when you felt like falling apart?
Did they inspire you to chase your dreams or stand by you as you took a leap of faith?

Did they believe in you before you believed in yourself?

Or perhaps there were moments when just their presence alone made a world of difference — where their silent support spoke volumes?

Once you have these memories and feelings in mind, craft something personal and honest — whether it’s a letter, a message, or even a video. Be colourful with your gratitude. Let your words flow freely. Tell them how their presence, words, or actions, often unnoticed or unspoken, have been a beacon of light, hope, inspiration, and strength in your life.

Go beyond the general “thank you.” Share specific examples that paint a clear picture of their impact. Maybe it was a late-night conversation that shifted your perspective, a small act of kindness that lifted your spirits when you needed it most, or their unwavering support during a challenging time.

Let them see their impact through your eyes. Let them understand how these moments have shaped you, how they’ve been instrumental in your growth, and how their presence in your life is a gift you deeply cherish.

I can tell you from experience — both from my weekly practice and from deeper moments of gratitude like these — the reaction you’ll receive will be nothing short of profound. Prepare for joy, prepare for tears, but most importantly, prepare for this moment to be remembered for a lifetime.

Because in doing this, you’re giving them something invaluable — the gift of seeing themselves as they truly are. Of understanding their worth and impact in a way they might never have recognised before.

And perhaps, in this process of expressing gratitude, you’ll be reminded of something too. That regardless of the challenges you’ve faced this year, or the peaks that you’ve reached, you’re incredibly fortunate to have such people in your life.

And without them, you wouldn’t be where you are today.

Try it, it tends to work for me.