Here are some examples of small gestures that can help people around you feel valued:

1. Show your appreciation with a thank-you, a smile or a hug (or all three.) It takes just a moment, but it can make a person's day.

2. Practice a random act of kindness every day. Make this your "gift" to a stranger. For example, let someone in front of you in line. Hold a door open for someone. Smile and greet people you pass at work. These acts take only a few seconds or less, yet they create a mood that can last for hours.

3. Call up someone you haven't spoken to in a while, just to catch up on how they are. You've probably been meaning to do this for a long time. Now is a good time.

4. If you have children, give one child at a time your full attention for an afternoon: Go for a walk; go to library; or just sit and read or draw together. The activity itself isn't as important as sharing time and interacting together. Going to a movie or watching a video doesn't count.

5. Write a note of appreciation to someone who is important to you. Don't be surprised if that person keeps note for years to come.

6. Think of way you'd like to be remembered by those around you, and give of yourself accordingly throughout year. The added benefit for you is that you'll be in a more positive frame of mind overall.

Pauline Wallin, Ph.D. is a psychologist in Camp Hill, PA, and author of "Taming Your Inner Brat: A Guide for Transforming Self-defeating Behavior" (Beyond Words Publishing, 2001)

Visit http://www.innerbrat.com for more information, and subscribe to her free, monthly Inner Brat Newsletter.

Mark had been teaching elementary school for fifteen years -- but school system wouldn't hire anyone past entry level. Sally had been an award-winning salesperson -- but employers devalued her experience because "we don't sell that way here."

3. Before movers finish unpacking, begin to network aggressively.

Daphne moved to a medium-sized town in southeast to be near an aging parent. She volunteered for Chamber of Commerce, local symphony, museum and more. Her contacts paid off: she landed a management position within two months.

And while she moved without a job, she was soon a newcomer with a job and a wonderful network of resources.