Anyone who knows me well, knows that I love writing notes. I am always tasked with writing the wedding card, the shower gift card, or the birthday card. And...I LOVE IT!
Call me crazy, but one of my favorite things to do is write thank you notes. But, not just traditional thank you notes for gifts received. I love seeking out reasons to praise others and I love seeking for things I am grateful for. Sometimes it is as simple as "thanks for being an example" or "thanks for giving a wonderful talk on Sunday". Other times, it could be "thanks for thinking of me" or "thanks for stopping by". Or, my recent favorite..."thanks for passing on the great recipe" (there is a story behind that one--for another time).
There is power in the seeking as well as in the expressing. As we seek for reasons to thank others, we momentarily get outside ourselves in a simple, often manageable way and we focus our energy on great things. The energy put out comes back to us tenfold...it multiplies. And, we all need more positive energy, right? Now, please know that it is important to be sincere and that you are detailed in your expression. Take your thank-you-note-expression to the next level...make sure it isn't canned...make it unique...make it fun. We all love knowing that someone noticed us and we all love getting a note in the mail. So, start today. Buy some fun cards. Stock up on stamps. Send a thank you note every Monday for the next 4 weeks. Let me know how it goes!
My mother was always really big on writing thank you notes. She would sit us down after Christmas or our birthdays and have us write to each person who gave us a gift, sent a card, or even just made a phone call. I’m really glad that that’s something I have tried to do in my own life. In this digital age where e-cards, texting, and facebook walls are where people tend to communicate, there is something more meaningful about receiving a card in the mail, even if that person lives in your neighborhood. Remembering to be grateful surely does so much to lift my spirit, especially when I’m depressed or struggling. If we sit down and think about it, there are so many people that can be thanked or remembered for their kind actions or service. It helps us focus on the good, even if our lives seem to be upside down.