Admit it. At some point, you’ve imagined what you’d say if you won an Academy Award. Or a Grammy, a Tony, an Obie or a Clio. Chances are, the speech begins with these four words: I’d like to thank.

Sometimes, award winners gush so many thank yous that they are musically cued off the stage. While an overly long list of public kudos is not necessarily bad, it can be a symptom of overdue gratitude.

It’s easy to feel grateful when you’re clutching a naked gold man. Oddly enough. But genuine gratitude is not something to save for a special occasion; it is a wise investment that benefits both giver and receiver.

Margaret Cousins said, “Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.”

Be excellent. Care about others. Be willing to do whatever you can to help others succeed. Maybe that kid you helped when he was the eighth-grade class you taught will invite you to his wedding. Maybe one of his former classmates will show up and say you made a difference in his life, too.

And if they don’t? Be thankful that you had the opportunity in the first place.

To paraphrase Frank A. Clark, be thankful for what you have or you won’t like what you’re going to get.

For the rest of today, remember to say “thank you” to your family, your friends, your coworkers, and anyone else who lightens your load or lifts your spirits, and mean it. Share your appreciation so freely that if–award in hand–you said, “I want to thank everyone who made this possible; you know who you are,” it would be true.

Tomorrow, wake up famous and do it again.