We always have the ability to say thank you to the people who have influenced our lives, but how often do we actually do it?
Over the last couple of weeks I was able to send some copies of my book to people who have helped me to process the ideas, hone the writing, and edit my book. My test readers, the ladies in my writers group and my editors were no brainers to send “thank you” books to, and it was nice to show them the results of what they helped create. But there was another group of people whom I sent a few books out to that had no idea that they had helped in any way.
I have learned from some great thinkers over the years whether it be their writings in a magazine or book, an online seminar, sitting in their classroom, or a friendly conversation. Certain thoughts from each of them took root in my brain and helped me to really tweak the process of Unscribbling. Most of these great teachers have no idea who I am, so my “thank you”s are out of the blue thanks from a random stranger for them. How much fun is that? Random “thanks you”s? I can’t tell you how much joy I felt being able to say to these personal celebrities of mine, “Your words touched me and influenced my life. Thank you!”
As anyone in any creative or educational endeavor knows – you often don’t have a clue if you have touched anyone at all. Actually, one time I had a friend tell me that they knew a college student who had printed a guest blog post of mine and had it on their dorm wall for inspiration. I stopped in my tracks – I had no idea that anyone had really read it, let alone been moved by it. It made me feel so good. Like, the whole process of writing, creating, and exposing your thoughts was worth it. It was just such a powerful moment that I wanted to hopefully give that to a few unsuspecting and deserving people too.
So that I did… and oh, baby, does it feel amazing!
I haven’t been able to track down everyone’s address that I want to thank, nor can I afford to send a book to as many people as I would like, but the ones I was able to thank are getting random (to them) gushing notes of thanks. I’ve even gotten a few responses back, which has been an absolute thrill! (Did I mention these people are celebrities to me?) But that doesn’t even matter. Selfishly, it is just such a gift to myself to finally thank some of these wonderful people.
Thanking someone can cost you nothing, yet has the potential to spread so much good. I can only hope that my thanks has lift their hearts and it will spread more joy and happiness in the world. I wonder if they might be inspired and thank someone too because of it. Can you imagine? It’s like a ripple of thanks going out in random areas of the world…
Even if they don’t, by thanking them, I want to thank MORE. Me, thanking, is lifting ME up and rippling out more thanks to the people around me.
Is there someone who has touched your life in positive way? Why not say “thank you!” Trust me, you will not regret it.
Loosening up my “Thank you” voice,
Kristin
“The laughs mean more to me than the adoration. If two girls walk up to me and one says ‘you’re cute’, I’ll say thank you, but I appreciate it much more when the other one says ‘you make me laugh so much’.”– Michael J. Fox
Takeaway: Even if no one but you notices, saying thank you will create a positive ripple in the world.
P.S. I’ve never been one to write a fan letter to someone before, but I may need to start. And start with more of my personal “celebrities” who have touched my life, made my life a little bit easier, or brighter. Or, write letters to their bosses so that they know what a great job they are doing, maybe that would help them on their employee reviews… Ah, I’m rambling again, but look at the ripple of good it can create!! Wow, how does life get better than this?
Looking for more thoughts on thanking? Check out The Momentum of Thanking – “the more you thank, the more momentum you will build and the more you will find to be thankful for.”
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