Thank you messages have gone public: banners at hospitals; in sidewalk chalk; at newspaper offices; in front yards and windows; at schools; beside EMT buildings; during singing sessions in major cities; letters to editors; and even car windows with words of thanks.
As children, my sister and I were encouraged (strongly) to write thank you notes for gifts as soon as they were opened and before we’d really played much with them. What a great habit our parents created in us! Thank you notes are gracious, are a reminder of gratitude, and a message of appreciation.
Tzivia Gover writes in her book JOY in Every Moment that “…people who express gratitude are happier. Saying thank you burns away bad moods…” It seems like a whole lot more “thank you” saying will help us all these days.
Genuine words of thanks can make someone’s day or week. A card on a special occasion or for a gift or act of kindness serves as appreciation. Gift-cards tucked in greeting cards create smiles too. Sometimes a card along with a gift of flowers or a book or other item can be a thank you.
Whether an object is given or not is far less important that a genuine “thank you” along with specifics. As I coached my daughter “Thank you for the money” is less meaningful to the recipient than “Thank you for the birthday money. I plan to use it to buy some new clothes.” She wasn’t happy about writing more words in her younger days, however now, she is quite good at responding to school essay questions with more detail. Teaching young people to write a thank you note is a kindness that will help them at school, in their gratitude skills, and in their overall well-being throughout life as Tzivia mentioned above!
“Thanks” as a text message is less meaningful than “Thank you for thinking of me this morning.” “Thanks” in an email is less valuable than “Thank you for the detailed report you provided. It allows me to make a good decision on where the team needs to focus.” You can probably feel the difference – so can the receivers of your thank you messages. Take the extra seconds to be detailed when expressing your appreciation, gratitude, and thanks.
To whom can you send a thank you note?
Looking for cards? Visit the NestingCards™ collection: https://nestingcards.com/collections/nestingcards
Thank you for reading the Nesting blog all the way to the end!
Nesting is about the objects and experiences that create a sense of home. Without home, it is difficult to maintain health, find joy, or to be productive. Enjoy the Nesting series of blogs on your search for and creation of a deep sense of home. –Jana
Jana Kemp
