Ready? Here we go.
Thank you.
Okay, now go find someone to say it to. Get up and walk into the next room, or shoot someone an email or pick up the phone. But find someone who deserves to hear it. I'll wait...
You're back already? That was fast.
My first thank you of the morning was this: Hey buddy, thank you for picking up your dirty underwear. (That would be directed to my child, not my spouse, who I do slip up and sometimes call buddy when I can't get the right name to come out, and he looks at me like I have lost it. Which may be true.) Maybe a silly thing to say, but you know, as one girl in a home of four males, you really do appreciate it when that happens.
Dropped off my son at daycare, and thanked them for making the transition so smooth this morning.
Got back on the road and someone slowed to let me merge. I gave them "The Wave." That gentle tip of the hand by the rearview mirror. It's a way of saying, "Hey, I know you didn't have to do that, but I sure am glad you did. Thanks!"
And then it struck me. I think in life, we all need to give each other the finger less and the wave more.
I often say that it's easier to complain than compliment. I say that a lot, actually. Often when someone has complained about something. So when someone compliments you or thanks you, take it to heart. They probably really mean it.
Why? Because it makes a difference. I am a big thanker. I like to acknowledge people for what they have done. Big or small.
Too often we don't recognize people for what they do. Whether it's letting us into traffic. Or helping out around the house. Or doing something extra at work.
I don't care if it's "your job" or not. It feels good to be recognized and acknowledged.
So, starting today and going forward, I am going to seek to compliment more and complain less. I am going to thank when thanking is due.
In the spirit of that, I want to say, thank you for taking the time to read this. Thanks for joining in on the discussions here. Thanks for your interest and support. Thank you dear reader.
And now I really need to go mail my kids' Christmas thank you notes that have been sitting on my office desk for three weeks.
