Usually my titles are a little bit more ... uh ... relavant. But I'm having "writers block." Or whatever you want to call me. (Crazy raving lunatic's block perhaps) What I'm referring to up there is The Thank You. Don't you always feel a little silly when you have to write a Thank You. Most people aren't as clever and witty as I ... badum chish! Sometimes it can be hard to find the right words, or know when the right time is to Thank someone.
This is something I wanted to write about because I've been doing my best to dole out some super heavy handed Thank You's recently. It seems ridiculous and not every one is like me, obviously, but I LOVE to Thank people. Mostly because I have a sincere and genuine appreciation for whatever it is they've done for me. And to be honest, I don't think people get Thanked enough. Whether it's at work, or volunteering, or by their "better portion." I know I don't Thank my husby enough. He works hard and is so talented and brilliant and really does so much for everyone he knows. I may be biased, but he is the best man in the world. There is nothing he can't do, or isn't willing to learn how. He is relentless in everything he does for others and makes me want to be better for it. He should be the most Thanked person on the planet, he and the kid who cures cancer.
So when's the right time to Thank someone. The real answer is anytime. But here are some good examples - don't laugh, or do, either way - after receiving a gift (At Christmas a strong hug and wow Thank You verbally should do), just because, after an interview for a job, etc. One of the things I have been working very hard on is sending out random Thank You notes. Sometimes it's not even on fancy stationary (for the young stationary is paper specifically for writing letters or notes, usually more professional than notebook paper.) Somtimes when I'm doing my Target Therapy, I peruse through the dollar bins and find some excellent Thank You cards for only a buck. They're super pretty and fun and well ... a buck! I haven't been awesome at it, but I've been TRYING to tell people how much they mean to me and that all the things they do for me haven't gone unnoticed or unappreciated. And sometimes that's all people need! A recognition that they are important and appreciated. That what they do or did matters.
So what do you say? Sometimes just Thank You. Other times, what's on your mind. "I can't begine to tell you how much (insert niceness here) meant to me. My life is so much better with you in it. Thanks a mill!" And there are millions more where that came from! I usually like to try to make people cry or get misty with mine. Because I don't want to generically Thank people. I want to mean it. Mostly because I DO mean it. I'm appreciative and I need them to know it. I've honed my skills a little bit in the Thank You writing department, and have had some Thank You's for the Thank You. But that's not what it's about. The point is, I want people to know that they put forth effort for me, so the least I can do is the same for them. A little effort. If you're truly a loss for words, like my all awesome husb usually is, google something. Google search inspirational quotes, or call me - $5.00 a card! But seriously, draw inspiration from others. Save good Thank You's you've received and look back on them. The words are there, you just have to find them sometimes. If it's a Thank You for an interview, Thank them genuinely for their time. Thank them for giving you the time of day. Because sometimes that doesn't happen, so when it does, it should feel good. It makes a good impression. It tells your potential emplyer that you care and are curteous and kind. Someone that they want to employ.
Bottom line, I don't think people are Thanked enough. A simple wave if I leave room for you to get out while driving. An "Oh! Thank you very much!" for holding a door open. A small note card in the mail, "I just wanted you to know how much I love being your friend. You are so kind and generous and you should know it's appreciated! Thank You." A facebook message - here's one I saw today "Thank you to whomever found my wallet on the floor of (Store) and turned it in to customer service! It makes me belive there is still good." The world needs more Thank You's. If people know that what they do matters and that others care, they'll be more inclined to do nice things in the future. (Suffice it to say, don't YOU do nice things just for the Thank You's, sometimes there are jobs that are Thankless ... that and it's not all about you.)
So Thank your parents, Thank your friends, Thank your coworkers or boss, Thank that random stranger that held a door for you. It'll make waves!
Put a Thanks in someone elses tank!
