Ordinary Gratitude

The Art of the Thank-You Note

In this age of email, voicemail and instant messaging, the handwritten thank-you note has been all but forgotten. But it is still one of the very best ways to say thank you -- whether for a dinner, special gift or kind word. And in the business world, the written thank-you note is truly a way to stand out, especially after an interview, important meeting, or referral.

So how do you write a thank-you note?

1. Be prepared. Keep a supply of simple note cards on hand. You'll be ready to jot down a note anytime. The small size of the card lets you be quick and concise.
2. Think beyond the note card. You can write a thank-you message on postcards or on the back of photos.
3. Keep it simple. Say thank you; mention the item and what you'll use it for, or if the note is an acknowledgment of someone's efforts, mention what you really appreciate about the other person. Allude to the future (i.e., we'll look forward to seeing you again soon). Then simply sign off.
4. Mum's the word on money. If you received a gift of money, simply thank the giver for "your generosity."

Happy Valentine's Day!

Valentine's Day is about more than chocolates and romance. Take time today to tell all the important people in your life how much you love them and appreciate them. Let them know how grateful you are to have them in your life.

Can you please bring a casserole?

The other day I got a call from a lady at the church my mom attends. There is a funeral on Wednesday morning. "Can you please bring a casserole?" she asked. The church always provides a luncheon for the family and guests after a funeral.

"Sure," I told her.

So tonight I made a casserole for dinner, and made an extra one to take to the church the next morning.

It really felt good to be doing something so simple for someone else. I remember when taking food to a friend or neighbor during times of need was a community tradition. It was something everyone just did. It was expected. And it was appreciated.

I think this simple act may have been more meaningful to me than to anyone else. I feel a bit more connected, a bit more useful, a bit more generous. It probably isn't the best casserole I've ever made, but it is a gift from me, something I made from scratch. I doubt if I would have the same warm fuzzy feelings had I simply picked something up from the grocery store to be reheated and served. This was something I thought about, planned, then executed.

I know when I deliver my lowly casserole to the church tomorrow morning, the ladies organizing this luncheon will be happy to see me and will thank me more than once, because that's what they've done before.

I was reminded that you don't have to do something big to do something worthwhile. Sometimes the smallest things are the most important. And the act of giving is as valuable as the act of receiving, maybe more so.

I'm grateful for the opportunity to contribute, to be a small part of something.

What small thing can you do to contribute to your community? Is there someone you know, a neighbor or friend, who could use a little pick-me-up? What could you do to make their day just a little bit better? Take soup to a coworker with the flu (along with a big box of tissues with lotion). Bake a pan of lasagna for the neighbor with the new baby. Fix a basket of tea and cookies for the friend who just lost a parent or spouse (and offer to sit and talk awhile).

Lindt Chili Dark Chocolate

I don't ordinarily focus on a particular product in my posts, but this time I just couldn't resist. I am so grateful for Lindt Excellence Chocolates, especially the new chili dark flavor. But I'm not the one who likes this item; my husband really does.

I happened to discover Lindt Chili Chocolate on a recent trip to the drug store. I picked one up and brought it home for my husband, who devoured it. He loved it! So today, when I was at the same drug store, I looked for it again. With all the chocolates on display for Valentine's Day, I had a little trouble finding it. When I finally did, I grabbed the last two bars they had in stock.

Needless to say, my husband was ecstatic when I got home with his special treat. When I gave it to him I said, "This is just a token of appreciation for all the wonderful things you do for me and my family." I got a great big kiss in return (which I am also grateful for!).

It's nice to have a list of little inexpensive things you can pick up for others. It's a great way to say "thank you" or "I was thinking of you." My husband and my mom are pretty easy because they always want chocolate, but if I can find a favorite chocolate, that's even better. One of my grandsons loves books, the other loves puzzles, so when I find them on sale, I grab them to share with them at their next visit. My old business partner loved flourless chocolate cake, so I would bring a piece for her to our one-on-one meetings along with something like cheesecake or scones for me. 

When someone tells you something they like, make a mental note or write it on a list to carry with you. Then when special days come around, or you just want to give them a treat, it will be easier to  choose a gift that really says "You're special."

A rose by any other name

...Is a wonderful way to show your gratitude.

Valentine's Day is coming, so why not take this opportunity to show someone you love how much you appreciate them? Roses are a great way to do this because each color has a special meaning. If you want to say thank you or express your gratitude, look for pink, dark pink or peach roses.

By the way, you don't have to wait for Valentine's Day to say thank you. Roses are a nice gift any time of the year.

For more information on roses and their meaning, read "What Is A Rose Saying To You?"

Thank you for not yelling

Last night my husband and I went to a movie: Avatar 3D IMAX. We tried to go on Sunday, but the showings were sold out, so we bought tickets for Monday evening.

When we left an hour early for the theater I made sure I had the tickets with me, but when we got to the theater I couldn't find them anywhere. I searched every pocket of my purse, my jeans, my jacket. I thought maybe I'd given them to my husband, but he didn't have them either.

"I must have left them in the car," I told my husband. "You stay here and I'll go back and check."

I walked back around the theater to where we'd parked the car, looking on the ground for the tickets along the way. I was so relieved when I looked in the window of the car and saw the tickets sitting on my seat. I quickly unlocked the car, grabbed the tickets, and headed back to the entrance of the theater.

By the time we got inside, the line of folks waiting to get into the movie was so long it wrapped around the corner and down the long hallway. We hurried to get in line so we could get into the show and, hopefully, find decent seats.

"Thanks for not getting mad," I told my husband while we were standing in line. "Thanks for not yelling."

"Why would I get mad?" he asked.

"Because I left the tickets in the car. Because I was stupid," I replied.

"First, you're not stupid. It could just as easily have been me. Second, the tickets were in the car and not lost somewhere along the way. And third, we're in line and we'll be into the movie in just a few minutes," he told me. "Would getting mad and yelling have changed any of that?"

"I guess not," I said. "But thanks anyway. I appreciate your patience."

"You're very welcome," he responded and kissed me on the forehead.

Recognize when people around you choose kindness, love, or forgiveness over anger, hatred or frustration. Let them know how much you appreciate that choice.

Thank you for the hug

This evening my son and his family came over for dinner. They arrived shortly before I returned from running an errand. As soon as I walked in the door, my 7-year-old grandson spotted me. "Mi Ma!" he exclaimed as he ran to me and threw his arms around my legs. I reached down and lifted him into my arms for a great big hug and kiss.

"Thank you!" I whispered to him.

"For what?" he asked.

"For such a great hug," I told him.

"Of course," he explained with a smile. "You're my Mi Ma."

It just doesn't get better than that! It warms my heart and makes me smile just to think about it.

TIP: If you're feeling down, there's no better pick-me-up than hugging a child.