THANK YOU…
Two very simple words. One very powerful communications message. When offered with sincerity or wrapped in a heartfelt note of gratitude, the words “thank you” can literally have a profound effect on everyone — sender and receiver. (Because they’re more than words, they convey a sentiment.)
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 an ability to explain. If you think that’s over-analyzing it a bit, try thinking about the wife who feels underappreciated by her overworked husband who 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 passing stranger. There are as many examples as there are people…
Sadly, the words thank you have almost become as silent as the words hello or good-bye. But if you think about it, all we need to do for others to take notice is to increase the method of delivery. Sound too simple? Have you ever been to Chick-Fil-A and heard the thank-you responses coming from the associates?
“It’s my pleasure to serve you today.”
It’s just far enough out of the ordinary to get your attention.
Think about the last time you offered a note of thanks to someone? 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 long enough to 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 glance at 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, it will stop them in their tracks. Addressing them by name implies you took a moment especially for them and adds a powerful gesture to your message. That message — “I appreciate you,” is a powerful force of goodwill between people that changes lives. It’s as contagious as a sincere smile exchanged between strangers. Goodwill softens the heart and prepares us to receive inasmuch as it prepares us to offer even more gratitude.
Want to bring more good things into your life? Start by thanking those around you for the good they bring to you. Find something to thank them for and back it up by sending them a thank-you note, e-mail, text, or give them a call and tell them.
Does stress 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 blessings you do have — your health, your family, your home, your friends, your faith. Start by thanking your Creator or higher power for bringing all the good into your life — the people, the shelter, the experiences. Once you do, an amazing thing will happen — your life will begin to perpetuate even more abundance! It’s overly simplistic but universally certain. After all, if you tend not to appreciate the blessings you do have, how can you ever expect to appreciate the ones you don’t?
Who do you need to thank? How will it change your life? Why not take a moment to find out? Reach out to someone today and make a difference in their life. You’ll find that, by doing so, you’ll affect two lives — theirs and yours.
To learn more, stop by my website garywestfal.com, where you can connect with me on this, and several other personally-empowering topics.
Here’s to Your Best Life!
