Gratitude is an attitude…

When Alyssa was little, I used to wrap her gifts in comic paper, the same way my Parents wrapped our gifts when my brothers and I were children. It was different, and it saved on wrapping paper for parents who wanted to make a statement of uniqueness to their children. I had to stop that practice with Alyssa when I saw her hunt out the gifts I bought before a birthday party. That was a testament to how she felt about the gift(s) she received – and to how bright she was!

As she grew the gifts changed however, her attitude of gratitude has never wavered. Whether it was a card, a gift or mad money for college, she made me feel 10 feet tall with her consistent demonstrations of gratitude. Now, whether it’s a text, Facebook comment, a card or an email, every expression she has received from me for herself or her children has been acknowledged (and her husband is good about this too). She does not realize how huge this is.

A well-executed thank you can make a big difference in a business or personal relationship. Many times, we are so concerned with receiving that we don’t feel moved to appreciate the efforts of the giver. Your expression of thanks should be appropriate to the occasion and unique to the person(s) involved. The idea is to make a heartfelt impact on the person who did the giving. Anyone who has had a family member, friend, colleague, manager or mentor pour their knowledge, understanding or wisdom into them should be quick to offer an expression of appreciation. When someone offers a recommendation – which is in fact putting his or her reputation on the line – there is no doubt for the need to acknowledge the act of kindness. You not only demonstrate how grateful you are for the “gift” that has been given, you encourage the door to be left open for future blessings. As she got older, Alyssa understood the gifts she received often came with a sacrifice. As professionals we should recognize the gifts and the sacrifices of time and resources that others make on our behalf to further our careers and goals.

My Mother inspired me to write thank you notes as a child and I still write them – long hand! I hope each person that receives a written note from me is moved because that is the intent of my expression. It is simply expressing my gratitude for the gift, time, thoughtfulness and/or wisdom that have been poured into me. Passing on the special feeling that comes when you show thanks in a tangible manner for something special that was done blesses both the giver and the receiver.

Alyssa strikes again! Lesson learned…