A Simple Act of Gratitude

The pandemic has brought the world to its knees.

Things we took for granted are no longer guaranteed. Truck drivers, grocery store clerks, doctors, and nurses have become our everyday heroes.

I am an introvert by nature, but that does NOT mean I’m enjoying this self-quarantining. My Mom and I used to head to our local thrift store every Friday to check out their “new” stock. The first place I went to was the book section. New Age and Religion first, self-help, then finally, mystery novels. I keep a 3-inch binder with a spreadsheet showing all the books currently in my library. I have over 3,000+ in the novel category. And closing in on 1500+ on New Age/Self-Help.

Regular Reading Books in my binder

New Age/Self-Help books in my binder

One book I picked up, months ago now I suppose, has become one of my favorites. It teaches the reader a simple reminder to say “thank you” to those who have made a positive impact on our lives. Not just during the pandemic, but any time.

This is the shameless plug from the back of the book:

One recent December, John Kralik found his life at a frightening low: his small law firm was failing; he was struggling through a painful divorce; he had grown distant from his children, and overall, his life dreams seemed to have slipped beyond reach.

Inspired by a note his ex-girlfriend had sent to thank him for a gift, John imagined that he might find a way to feel grateful for what he had by writing thank-you notes. To keep himself going, he set a goal of writing 365 notes in the coming year.

Immediately after sending his very first notes, significant and surprising benefits began to come John’s way — from financial gain to true friendship, from weight loss to inner peace. Thank-you note by thank-you note, his whole life turned around.

I have no vested interest in this book. I bought it used, but it is sold on Amazon.

It truly inspired me, long before the pandemic. It has again reminded me how small acts of kindness not only benefit those who receive them, but they benefit the giver as well.

Take the time today to write a hand-written (yes, hand-written) thank-you and leave it for your postal carrier. Stick one on your door for the UPS or FedEx driver and give one to the people that deliver your groceries, or ring up your purchases in the store.

And don’t forget other people in your life. Send a thank-you note to that annoying little brother that grew up to be a class-act husband and father.

Send a thank-you to your Mom or Dad for letting you grow up into the person you are today. There are SO MANY people you could thank. Don’t stop when the pandemic is over. It’s just a good excuse to start!