"You've been so kind and generous. I don't know how you keep on giving. For your kindness, I'm in debt to you. For your selflessness~ my admiration. For everything you've done, you know I'm bound~ I'm bound to thank you for it."
~ Natalie Merchant
I am a bit of a gratitude junkie. I never take a kind word, action, thought for granted. I really don't. I am very aware of these things. I make it a point to communicate my gratitude to the appropriate person. I also notice when people could have a choice to be kind and yet they choose to be jerks. I have recently decided to focus on the kind people.
When it comes to stationary, there's nothing like a neat little box of thank you cards. They're inexpensive and there's just enough space to write an effective message of gratitude. There are so many designs that you can usually find some that reflect who you are....whether you are the plain white with gold "With Gratitude" printed on the front or the pastel kittens rolling in a ball of yarn. Maybe you are more into glitter and glitz and folk art fish. Whatever your style, a thank you card can represent you and communicate to the receiver that they are valuable.
Let's be honest~ We are expected to do kind things out of the goodness of our hearts without expectation of anything in return. For the most part, I think those of us who have reached some level of healthy self-esteem and maturity certainly do those things from a selfless place. And even though we are not supposed to expect anything in return, it sure is nice when someone sends off a little card in the mail with a handwritten note inside expressing their gratefulness for the thoughtful gift or the kind deed or for something you had no idea would have such an impact.
As much as I like receiving thank you cards, I really like writing them and as I said above, I am overly aware of kind acts that people do especially when they really didn't have to. I recently got into the habit of making a point of writing a letter to store managers when I get exceptional service. As a seasoned worker in the tourist/retail sector, I get really annoyed when people behave as though assisting you was a huge favour they were doing for you. Never mind the fact that they're getting paid to assist me. I used to be like most people and complain to a manager when the service I received left a lot to be desired. I have changed my ways......now managers receiving letters from me will open an envelope of praise and gratitude. I hope that the employee can be assured that their good service does not go unnoticed.
There are so many opportunites every day to spread the joy of handing a thank you card or better yet, mailing a thank you card to someone who is deserving. I would say that one of the most treasured gifts I have received over the years are the thoughtful cards and letters written by my clients thanking me for my help in their most vulnerable of times......childbirth and new parenthood. The beauty of the thank you letter (of all letters for that matter) is that they can be re-read and can lift a tired soul that is having a rough day.
Since today's topic is gratitude, I want to thank those of you who have handwritten me a note or letter this week. Opening my mailbox and finding creative colours and stationary has made me giddy! Thank you for reading my blog and for taking part in The Letter Writing Revolution. I want to hear about the letters YOU are writing and receiving these days.
Send me a letter if YOU would like to receive some mail. I promise to write you back!
You can write to me at: Julie Keon, P.O Box 533, Cobden, ON, K0J 1K0
The idea of writing a letter to store managers and clerks who have made a positive difference is really great. I recently had a very good experience at a store with a nice young teenager who went above and beyond to help. I went back to the store a few days later and spoke to the manager about how wonderful she had been. I think next time, I'll add a little note for the sales person so she can read it in my own words. I think that we often complain a lot about things that don't go our way. Making a point to notice the good things that happen, and letting the managers know about it is a shift in perspective that will go a long way to inspire and encourage more acts of kindness. Happy writing.
ReplyDeleteI second what Emmanuelle just said, and also agree with the importance of thank you cards. I tell my children that if someone took the time to choose a gift for them, or do something thoughtful for them, then the least they can do is take a moment to thank them formally. They already "get" that this is something you just do. If they don't know what to say- I suggest one line that says hello, one line that says thank you for the *blank*, and then one line that says how they have used it, or what they like about it, etc. It's easier with a bit of a plan!
ReplyDeleteGreat entry!
Signed,
Proud big sister.