Just say Thank
You…
Two very simple words, really. But when offered with sincerity or wrapped in
a heartfelt note of gratitude, the words can literally be worthy of changing lives. (Because they’re more than words actually,
they convey a sentiment of Gratitude.)
Think about the last time someone thanked
you for something. Was it sincere or mechanical? If it was sincere, you may in fact still
remember it. More importantly, you may
remember how it made you feel. The
sentiment these two very simple words convey can ignite emotions far beyond
that which we can comprehend. If you
think that may be over-sensationalizing a bit, try thinking about the wife who
feels underappreciated by her overworked husband, when he finally takes the time to
lovingly tell her how much he appreciates her for the role she plays in his
life and that of the family. Then
there’s the homeless veteran who has given so much of himself to the freedoms
of our country who stands proud when thanked for his service by a complete stranger.
The words thank you have almost become as silent as the words hello or good-bye - sad, but true nonetheless. But if you think about it, all we need to do
to increase the volume and accentuate the powerful words is to offer them with
sincerity. Sound too simple?
Think about the last time you offered a thank-you to someone? Assuming you took the time, was it a
reactionary response or did you really mean it?
If your words were spoken, did you look the person in the eye? If your words were written, did you take the
time to convey sincerity? Did you even
make an effort in the first place? (Tough
question for some of us.)
Typically, when we communicate, we connect
with each other through the windows of our souls – our eyes. Next time you say thank you to someone, take
a moment to look them in the eye.
Chances are you’ll give them pause and bring a smile to their face. And if not, that’s okay. They’ll know you meant it. Now, take it a step further and see if you
can get their name. When I go through
the checkout line at Wal-Mart or Target I’m quick to check out the name tag of the
cashier or associate and make sure to use their name when I say thank you. Using a person’s name is so uncommon that,
when used, will stop them in their tracks.
Addressing them by name implies you took a moment especially for them,
and adds a powerful accentuation to your gesture.
Want to bring more positive energy into your
life? Start by thanking those around you
for the good they bring to you. Find
a reason to say thank you and back it up by sending them a thank-you note,
e-mail, text, or give them a call and tell them! You may find this difficult to believe, but
the gesture of gratitude and appreciation perpetuates good will. Good will softens the heart and prepares us
to receive inasmuch as it prepares us
to offer even more gratitude. It’s as
contagious as a sincere smile exchanged between strangers. And it's an often overlooked law of nature. You know - "What goes around, comes around."
Are there stressors in your life? Negative energy? "Bad luck?" In today’s world, whose life isn’t stressful
from time-to-time? Does the stress and misfortune seem to have
a dominant hold on your life? Do you
tend to take stock of all the things in your life that are negative that you’re
not thankful for? Instead, why not take a moment to look at
your life from the opposite perspective of what you do have that you’re thankful for and think about what your life
would be like without the assets you do have – your health, your family, your
home, your friends, your faith. Start by
thanking your Creator for bringing all
the good into your life – the people, the shelter, the experiences. An amazing thing will begin to happen – your life will
begin to manifest and perpetuate changes that bring about even more abundance!
It’s overly simplistic but universally certain! After all, if you tend not to appreciate that which you do have, how can you expect to
appreciate that which you don’t?
Who do you need to thank? How will it impact your life? How will it impact theirs? Why not take a moment to find out? Be ready though. Because as soon as you act on this simple truth, things will begin to change positively for you! Go ahead, test it!
I'd love to know how this works for you. Drop me a line and tell me about the way this concept changed your life or that of the one you thanked.
Until next time!
- G -
"Gratitude, sincerely expressed, is the wisest gift a man can give." - G. Westfal -
If you'd like to receive a notification anytime I publish a new blog (currently about every two weeks), visit my Facebook page: G. Gary Westfal, Author
Once there, click on "Get Update via RSS" on the bottom of the left column. You'll be subscribed and will receive notification whenever I publish a new blog or provide updates to my novel Dream State. And help me by recommending this blog to others and "liking" my FB page.
Please visit my website: www.gwestfal.com
If you enjoyed this article, you can help by recommending it on Google by pressing the "g+1" button below...
No comments:
Post a Comment
Your comments and feedback are encouraged. If you enjoyed this post, please recommend it to others.