Week 3: The Power of Saying “Thank You”
Welcome to week 3 of our Gratitude Challenge! I hope you found it helpful to do some gratitude journaling last week.
Today we’re going to talk about the power of saying, “Thank you.” It seems simple, but this can totally change the way you experience life.
Reflection:
It’s two simple words that change everything:
Thank. You.
That’s it. A phrase we take for granted. A sentence usually reserved for when someone holds the door for us.
A phrase many of us don’t say enough.
Imagine how it would impact your life if you said “Thank you” more. Not just in quiet gratitude for yourself, but also to the wonderful people in your life.
Think about how your relationships and communication might change if you:
● Thanked a coworker for a prompt reply to an email
● Said a heartfelt “Thank you” when your boss let you go home 30 minutes early
● Thanked your spouse for cooking a delicious dinner
● Gave your kids a big hug and thanked them for cleaning up their toys
● Were full of gratefulness when a family member called to check in
Being thankful to others profoundly changes the way we go through life.
When you take a minute to be thankful to others, you’re also talking a minute to recognize the time, attention, and care they’ve given you.
Not only does this help make your own heart full, it also shows the folks in your life that you care for them and value them, too, which spreads even more gratefulness and joy.
See? A simple expression of gratitude can have a big impact.
Action:
Today, make every effort to say, “Thank you,” to others.
Match the practice of noticing with the practice of gratefulness to others.
Try to notice at least ten things you can thank someone for each day. They don’t have to be big things. Give thanks for even the smallest ways a person helps you or brings joy into your life.
Express your gratitude to those people directly, and also take some time to write about your gratitude in your journal.
You’ll discover that the practice of gratitude completely changes your relationships with people.
They’ll be much more receptive to you, much more open, much more willing to share their lives with you. And you’ll simply be grateful that they’re in your life.
Gratitude is an incredibly powerful practice. A practice so powerful that it can truly change your relationships forever.
I hope you’re feeling the power of gratitude in your life as we move into next week, when we’re going to be exploring the practice of gratitude affirmations.
Until then, please share your experience with saying “Thank you” more. Was it difficult at all? How did people respond? Were there any unexpected responses? Write it in the comments below!
