The art of a thank you

Thank you. Two simple words that carry so much meaning.

Webster Dictionary defines the words as: a polite expression of one's gratitude. Expressing gratitude and showing thanks has become a thing of the past though it seems.

Growing up my parents raised me to right thank you notes after birthdays, Christmas and any time we were given gifts. It was a way for me to show thanks and appreciation for their thoughtfulness. I continued this sentiment with me as I grew up.

After job interviews, when college professors went beyond to help me, and even after staying over at my in laws, I always took time to write thank you notes. After staying over with my in laws a half a dozen times, my mother in law told me I could stop writing her thank you notes. It was just a little something I liked to do to show my appreciation.

There is just something about receiving a note in the mail saying thank you that can brighten your day.  Earlier this week, as I was opening the mail I had two pieces marked for 'Almond Girl Jenny'. Surprised, I opened the letters to read two very nice, sincere thank you notes from readers who had received my Christmas giveaways. It was so refreshing and encouraging to receive these. It gives me a little hope to know I am not alone in the thank you writing world.

Showing appreciation and gratitude is so easy and simple to do these days. A hand written note takes 2 minutes to write. Even faster, in today's world it could be a simple email to say thanks. It is the thought that counts. Email, text, phone calls, and hand written letters are all great ways to say thanks.

The real art of a thank you though is just saying it. In our fast paced world we live in, we are often too busy or too distracted to just stop and say thank you. It really doesn't take that long to do. I challenge you all if you haven't already to take a few minutes and sit down to write a few thank you notes. It really does make you and the receiver just a little bit happier.

Until Next Time,

Almond Girl Jenny