Two Power Words: Thank You

I don’t say “Thank You” as often as I should and I doubt I’m the only one.

In fact, I’m starting to believe that “Thank You” is the most under-appreciated and under-used phrase on the planet. It is appropriate in nearly any situation and it is a better response than most of the things we say. “Thank yous” are powerful. They acknowledge the other person’s strength, generosity, patience, acceptance, respect, kindness, empathy and altruism. Gratitude is a powerful force and the two powerful words that fuel that are : “Thank You” Sometimes we underestimate the power of what a simple thank you can do for someone. 

I believe a simple thank you has the power to brighten up any moment.  It’s a sign of respect, appreciation, love, gratitude.  Only two words, yet so powerful.

The best part? It takes 2 seconds of your time.  Thank you feels good to receive,  Thank you feels good to give.  Two simple words mean so much, isn’t that astounding?

It’s important to let people know you appreciate them. Otherwise how will they know?  You never know the effect a thank you could have on someone.

It can change someone’s entire day- Those are powerful words!

Ways to say “Thank you”:

• Send a card. (Handwritten notes are awesome — and rare.)
• Write an email.
• Make a phone call.
• Plan a personal visit.
• Send a text message
• Or simply say “thanks”.

Ideas of who to thank:

The parent who is always in your corner.

The person who gave you a start in your career.

Someone who encourages you that you only see online.

A random old friend you haven’t seen in a while that God lays on your heart.

An often unnoticed, but vital part of society – such as the custodian, street worker, truck driver, or garbage collector.

A friend who was there when you needed one most.

A church leader  who helped shape your understanding of God.

The person you know who prays for you regularly.

Someone who waits on you frequently — somewhere — and you may not even know their name.

A public servant you admire for doing the right thing.

The unexpected person who was there for you at just the right time in your life; who said just the right thing you needed to hear.

A person who may not receive encouragement from anyone else – or you think is under appreciated.

A leader you’ve admired – maybe one who helped shape your view of leadership.

Someone who has invested in you from a distance and may not even know it.

The person who has been the most patient with you, even when you aren’t at your best.

Someone who makes you laugh, just when you need it most.

An emergency services professional — police, fire, military, etc.

A distant relative you’ve not seen in a while, yet they are there when you need them.

The person who introduced you to the person you married.

A teacher who encouraged you to be a better student or person.

Someone who inspires you with something they do well.

A good friend of your parents.

The medical personnel who helped you when you were sick.

Someone who has a smile, which encourages you.

Write a letter to yourself outlining all the reasons you are grateful for YOU!

These are a few suggestions, but I’m sure you have many more.

let’s chat about one more INCREDIBLY powerful way to boost our gratitude and, therefore, pretty much every aspect of our well-being: Gratitude Letters.

Evidence that gratitude visits can make a measurable difference comes from Martin Seligman’s positive psychology laboratory at the University of Pennsylvania. Seligman and his colleagues gave participants one week to write a letter of gratitude and then deliver it in person. Seligman offered the following instructions:

“Select one important person from your past who has made a major positive difference in your life and to whom you have never fully expressed your thanks. Choose someone who is still alive. Write a testimonial just long enough to cover one laminated page. Take your time composing this—several weeks if required. Invite that person to your home or travel to that person’s home. It is important that you do this face to face, not just in writing or on the phone. Do not tell the person the purpose of the visit in advance.

Bring a laminated version of your testimonial with you as a gift. Read your testimonial aloud slowly, with expression and eye contact. Then let the other person react unhurriedly. Reminisce together about the concrete events that make this person so important to you.”

What was the effect of composing and delivering the letter for those who participated in the experiment? When their moods were measured after one week of doing the assigned exercise, participants were happier and less depressed. This boost in happiness and decrease in depressive symptoms were maintained at follow-up assessments one week and one month later. It turns out that a gratitude visit is one of the exercises that, to Seligman’s surprise, made people lastingly less depressed and happier than any other positive psychology intervention.”

That is powerful!  

If you feel so inspired, write  a Gratitude Letter and deliver it via a Gratitude Visit and watch your happiness soar.

Although delivering the letter via a visit delivered incredible benefits, so did simply writing a letter—even if you don’t deliver it. The simple act of writing and sharing our appreciation is extraordinarily powerful.

I hope you find creative ways to use these powerful words in your own life.  As you do, you will reap the benefits of gratitude and brighten someone else’s day in a powerful way.  

How can you say Thank You today?