~ Thanks to You ~

How often do you remember to say thanks? Being appreciated can make a huge difference in someone’s life. Saying thank you can let a friend, a family member, or even a stranger know that something they have done has been noticed and has meant something to you.

“I would maintain that thanks is the highest form of thought, and that gratitude is happiness doubled by wonder.” Gilbert K. Chesterton

When Should We Say Thanks?

Here are some times we should say thank you:

1. When someone does something for you or others no matter how small. Pay attention to the people around us, whether they are friends, family members, workers in stores or restaurants, public servants or strangers on the street, and thank them for something kind that they do that makes our lives or the lives of others easier or better. Be one of those people who spreads kindness and caring everywhere you go..
2. When someone has supported or encouraged or inspired you. Showing gratitude to the people who have made us a better person is the best gift we can give them. Gratitude feeds their hearts and feeds ours too.
3. When someone serves or waits on you or comes to your aid. Thank the people who, by merely doing their jobs, make life smoother for everyone.
4. When someone has inspired you. Think of all the teachers you have had. How many have you sent a letter of thanks for setting you on your life’s course? Unless you thank a person you have admired and perhaps modeled your behavior on or whose advice has made a difference in your life, that person may never know how much they are appreciated.
5. When someone excuses or forgives you for making a mistake or acting in an inappropriate way. Nobody is perfect. Thanking people who show kindness to you by excusing what you have done, deserve to be thanked. For example, when you arrive late, thank the people who waited.
6. When someone cares for you. Never stop saying thank you to the people who love and cherish you. Friends and family are often appreciated, but less often openly thanked. Everyone feels more appreciated when they hear the words spoken.
7. When someone comes to you for help or to share a confidence. It is a great honor to be trusted enough that someone opens up to you or shares a problem or secret. Say thank you to them for that trust and willingness to share.
8. When someone gives you unwanted advice or criticizes you. We all love complimentary feedback. We all love to be told we are doing a good job. When that happens, it is natural to say thank you. But criticism hurts. You may want lash out at the critic in anger or in revenge. The better tact is to merely say thank you for your advice, and move on.
9. When you are not sure you should – say it. Saying thanks is never wrong. When in doubt, a heartfelt thank you will make a person’s day brighter.
10. Give thanks when you feel gratitude at any time. Acknowledging the things we are thankful for in our lives brings an inner calm that we all need more of. Making a list of things you are thankful for, keeping a daily gratitude journal in which you record something you are thankful for each day or even just saying thanks internally are ways you can bring inner peace.

Ways to Say Thanks

More TPN Activities and Recommended Books about being thankful:

6 Reasons to Give Thanks

Let’s Teach Empathy

What are you thankful for?

The Hardwired Emotions

Simple Kindness

Share a Little Love

Learn more about why we need to Say Thanks

3 minutes on The Power of Saying Thank You

How often do you say thanks to people around you?

We welcome your thoughts and comments.