Thanksgiving reminds us to be thankful
- Karen Wilson: Family Corner
- November 15, 2024
- 441
Who did you thank today? What about yesterday? How many people? How many times?
November and the Thanksgiving season remind us to be thankful and to remember our blessings, but maybe it also should be a reminder to make a point of thanking those around us.
For good manners’ sake, you may be in the habit of tossing off an appropriate thank you here and there. And by all means, please continue to do so. If you don’t, start.
But what about being a little more intentional or a lot more intentional? Look for specific things to thank people for.
What about the store clerk who tries to help you find something only to discover the item is out of stock? Do you go off in a huff or do you thank her for helping anyway.
I recently contacted a store for a particular item. What I needed wasn’t available, but the person answering the phone suggested several alternatives. I appreciated the extra effort and made a point of thanking him.
Do you thank your server at a restaurant both verbally and with a generous tip? After all, you could buy the food and prepare it at home, but part of the joy of eating out is the fact someone serves the food to you. Show your appreciation.
Do you thank your children for fulfilling their responsibilities around the house? Do you take note when they get it right, make an extra effort or do something without being asked? Do you thank them just on a regular day for doing as expected?
Sometimes it’s easier to point out what needs correcting rather than pointing out what’s been done right and saying thank you. Don’t neglect expressing appreciation. You’ll likely encourage the good behavior and see it more often.
Put reminders on your phone or add them to your to-do list if you struggle to thank those around you.
Come up with an appropriate monthly challenge that involves thanking people. Maybe write a note of appreciation to someone each day or choose something to get you to thank people you might not otherwise.
Did you receive a gift or go to an interview recently? Did you send a note, email or pigeon to say thank you? OK, the pigeon may be out of date, but expressing appreciation never should be.
Maybe you enjoy a day of beautiful weather. Do you thank the one that made it so?
After watching the grass on our farm turn brown and the water in the ponds disappear, we definitely feel thankful for every drop of rain. Did you notice how beautiful the fall leaves were this year?
How can you express your appreciation other than verbally or financially?
Start brainstorming things. Could you perform a task to make someone’s life easier?
Instead of thinking about turkey and stuffing this year, think about ways both unique and regular to express your appreciation.