Thank you to Janine and MacKenzie for anointing me last week’s feature writer. I feel chuffed at the acknowledgement. I also feel content that someone somewhere not only enjoyed my writing, but got something out of it too.
This week I have struggled with writing, for personal and physical reasons. I felt like I was struggling just that bit too much so I had a break, then I re-read the prompts and I realised I was trying to write on the wrong one for me this week. Once I had reset my focus the words started to flow, as they do. So I hope you enjoy what I have written this week. I chose to reflect on the quote by JFK.
I was raised in a conservative way. This meant that we were supposed to write ‘thank you’ notes for receiving gifts and after certain events. Mum would pressure us, nag us but she never stood over us to do it like her mother did to her. Needless to say only about three quarters of the notes probably got written. As a teenager and young adult I never gave this a thought. I was always polite, respectful but I never wrote thank you notes. I guess I just thought it was unnecessary.
One day at work in my mid 20’s I returned to my desk to find a simple ‘thank you’ card sitting neatly on my keyboard. Just a few words. ‘Thank you so much for your help today’. My friend and colleague had no idea of the impact that small and simple gesture has had on me. I felt amazing holding that card in my hand. I felt moved, emotional, and grateful. I felt special that she had taken a moment to give consideration to this, to think about me. As I held that card, those memories came flooding back and I suddenly got it. I understood why my mum made me write those letters and cards. I understood the necessity of doing it.
I was still so young back then but what I can tell you is this. From that moment on I have always said ‘thank you’. By card, note, email or verbally. I take the time to consider my words, to make them meaningful, to show that person just why what they did was special.
You will never really know the impact you have on another person. You may never really know a person’s motive for kindness, for the decisions they make. You have no control over any of this but you do have control over your own actions and attitudes.
In my last Friday Reflection I spoke about influence, and how it can be intentional or not. You can choose to be intentional here and now, in this small authentic way. Showing a bit of gratitude to those who make some small difference to your world.