Thank You Dan

A less than 5-minute read.

Dan’s Story

At a recent networking meeting, I spoke about the connection between gratitude and positivity. Afterward, Dan approached me and shared his story.

Dan began by telling me that he and all his fellow sales reps had received a gratitude kit as a gift from his boss at an annual dinner. He had heard me speak at the dinner and felt inspired to start using the cards in the kit the next day. He read the book and continued to write cards for several weeks.

The response was great! People let him know how much they enjoyed getting the cards. Then, life got busier. With two young kiddos and a hectic work schedule, the card writing fell by the wayside.

Sheepishly, Dan confessed that somehow the kit ended up on a closet shelf.  “Even though everyone loved receiving my cards, I got great feedback from the ones that I sent,” Dan confessed, “I don’t know why I stopped.”

The problem was, Dan explained, “between the demands of my job and family, I don’t take time to write notes like I would like to.” 

Crafting a meaningful handwritten note takes a little time. First, we consider what we want to say, then how we want to say it. Too often, this is as far as we get. We procrastinate. Sound familiar?

Time and inspiration

Thinking about what you want to say is a good thing. The more time we spend thinking good thoughts about others and why we are grateful for them, the more grateful we become. We also become more likable, more collaborative and much much happier!

Putting your thoughts down on paper or typing them on the computer could be the next step, or maybe you go straight to writing the card. If this is where you get stuck, I hope to help you feel inspired and put your pen to paper.

As Dan helped me carry my things to the car, he thanked me for reminding him of the tremendous benefits gratitude brings. He vowed to pull his gratitude kit off the closet shelf and begin writing more notes.

I think many of us are like Dan. I know I am.  We have good intentions, but sometimes they get put on the closet shelf.

After talking with Dan, I thought about ways I could inspire those interested in being more grateful. How could I help them write notes more frequently?

Help!

Would it help if I offered ideas twice a month? Inspiration?

Dan’s dilemma is what started this email series. For the next six months, I am committed to providing you with sample notes that I hope inspire you to write a note of your own.

A Fun Twist

Think of each note you write as a quarter, a pebble, a shell or a token of some sort. Place a small clear container on your desk. This is your gratitude note jar. Each time you write a note, drop a token in the jar.

Take a picture of your lonely, empty little jar and post it on Facebook, Instagram or send it to a friend who will occasionally inquire about your jar. Who knows? You might inspire someone else.

At the beginning of the month, take another picture. And so on for the next several months.  I would love to see your photos! Let me know how gratitude is working for you.

The First Note

Sometimes a person crosses your path and creates an “ah-hah” moment.

Hi Dan,

It was a treat to talk with you after the NCA meeting.  I truly appreciate your courage to
candidly express your challenges with note writing. Your story inspired me to write my next blog..

Gratefully,

LaDonna

 P.S. Here’s my thank you to you for reading this post. A second thank you note to a supportive person in your life.

Dear Luke,

I appreciate the time you took to meet with me today and offer suggestions on how I can move my business forward. Sometimes I need a sounding board, someone to help me think it through. Thank you for being that person!

With gratitude,

LaDonna