At this time of year, family and friends gather for a day of counting their blessings (and eating a big turkey dinner). Wouldn’t it be great if we expressed our thankfulness more often? The casual “thanks” or “have a nice day” that we toss out without thinking, doesn’t really count.
Try it for one day. Really think about each interaction and what it means to you. Put that feeling into words that come from your heart and not from rote. Think what it would mean to the checkout clerk at the library to hear someone say, “I really like coming to the library, because you make me feel welcome here”.
They are going to feel wonderful. It elevates their efforts from being just a job to being a service. Paychecks are essential to put bread on the table, but money is not what motivates people day in and day out. People want to feel needed and appreciated.
Something wonderful happens when you sincerely thank someone. Suddenly, they feel good. They will probably carry that feeling over to the next person they see. They might praise their child or speak kindly to a co-worker. Think of all the thankfulness and goodwill that your thoughtful words generate.
It does take a little longer to communicate in really meaningful ways. I think it would be worth the extra moments. Let’s all take some time to recognize the good things in our lives and to share that with others. Let’s be thankful and give others reason to feel thankful as well.