The Power of Thank You

A little package arrived at the LAB yesterday. Inside was an unsolicited note of thank from a handmaker for a post I did a few weeks ago, as well as two handmade tokens of their gratitude. It’s not the first time I’ve received a gift like this and, knowing the kind-heartedness of the handmade community, probably not the last.

I awoke this morning with devout thanksgiving for my friends, the old and the new. – Ralph Waldo Emerson

I have to say that each time I receive a note of thanks, my heart immediately warms. For someone to take the time to write (and in some cases, make) a card and put it in the mail, just to say thanks, is something that I don’t take for granted. I do love the little gifts too, but it’s the note of gracious gratitude that impresses me most.

Hem your blessings with thankfulness so they don’t unravel. – Anonymous

Let’s face it, we live in a world that has grown increasingly thankless. Instead of diminishing the power of a kind ‘thank you’, that should make us ever more appreciative when someone displays appreciation, even for the little things. I find that I have to stop and ask myself, ‘Have I expressed gratitude to someone today?’.

How far that little candle throws his beams! So shines a good deed in a weary world. – William Shakespeare

For creative folks, most of us have mentors who encourage, friends who inspire and teachers who support us. When was the last time we sent a note of gratitude to them, unsolicited and unconnected, with the hopes of nothing in return?

My question to you is this: Can you think of someone who you would love to thank for helping you to achieve your creative goals? Let us know in the comments below.