As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough.  The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).

It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day.  For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge.  It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days.  Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.

How is it the LAST DAY of this activity already?!  It is hard to believe we just finished our last day of our November 30-30-30 Challenge: Saying Thanks 30 Ways to 30 People for 30 Days because it went by so quickly.  Doing this project these last few weeks have been a great blessing and wonderful experience for the whole family.  It was awesome seeing how doing the activity made us think more about being grateful and expressing our thanks to people around us.

Many of the people were family, friends, neighbors, as well as people we interact with regularly while some we had met for the first time (store clerks).  The purpose of this activity was to focus on being thankful and to be a blessing to the people around us.  It was an activity that had a positive impact on our lives.  There were several times I walked away from a task feeling more blessed, it’s amazing how making the choice to positive and grateful to others can uplifts your spirits too.

I have so much to be thankful for not only during this Holiday season but throughout the entire year.  May I continue to express thanks to those I encounter throughout my week.  Several of the days we actually did several thankfulness activities (a few we listed, but most we did not).  After the first week we had thanked over 30 people already (we have a big family) so it was neat seeing how many people we could touch with words and gifts of thanks throughout the month.  I hope that this activity will continue to be on our minds for a very long time as we interact with people from day to day.

Day 30

Who: Strangers

The girls and I had to make a couple quick errands after school, including a stop at a store. We had the opportunity to help an elderly lady put some items into her cart.  She was in a hurry, but was having a hard time getting the items she needed at the store.  It was neat seeing the girls take initiative and help others from opening the doors, helping people get stuff from the shelf, and stepping aside so those in a hurry can pass.  We even let the person behind us go ahead of us in the line.  Sometimes taking a few minutes to show appreciation and kindness can make a big difference in the lives of others. 

Day 29

Who:  Bank Teller

Today we didn’t have a lot of extra places we needed to be but we did make a stop at the bank.  The girls wanted to deposit the money they had earned over the past month into their savings account.  Usually I try to go through the drive-thru at the bank because it is much quicker, but the girls like to bring in their money and watch the teller count it out.  Plus, I needed to put items back in our safety deposit and make a deposit as well.  Today we smiled, sincerely thanked our bank teller for helping us, and ask her about her day.  Sometimes we get so busy with our lives and are in a hurrying to get to the next place we barely smile or talk with people that we encounter regularly.  Taking the time to smile, be pleasant, and ask about someone else’s day doesn’t take any extra time but can be a great encouragement for them.

Day 28

Who:  Jazz Instructor

A few months ago I got a Living Social deal for the girls to take Jazz lessons.  We were within a couple miles of the studio several times a week already so we decided to try it out.  They LOVED jazz and look forward to it every week.  It is great exercise and has taught them some neat skills.  In the spirit of the Holidays (Thanksgiving) the girls wrote their instructor a note of thanks and I picked up some sweet treats for them to give to her.  She makes it a lot of fun and both of our girls really enjoy going to her class!

As I was reflecting back on the many amazing blessings in my life I realized that don’t let those around me know how much I truly appreciate them enough.  The idea of participating in a “thankfulness” challenge for the month of November was started a few months ago when I purchased cards for my family to send out for the Thanksgiving Holiday (see the picture of the front of the card below).

It is my wish to show my gratitude to the people I interact with day to day.  For the month of November I am planning a 30-30-30 Challenge.  It is my goal to say thanks in 30 ways to 30 people for 30 days.  Each day I plan to do at least one activity expressing my thanks to one person every day for thirty days.

Day 27

Who:  Clients

I am thankful for so many things in my life.  One of the fun activities I get to do throughout the month is work for various clients on projects.  Some of the people are work for I do work for on a regular basis while others are more on a project by project basis at various times throughout the year.  While I do get compensated for the work I do, there is a lot more to it, I really enjoy the people that I have had the privilege to work alongside.  It has been neat getting know them and their families better while helping them tackle business projects.  I am thankful for my clients and their willingness to let me be an active part of their lives and businesses.  Today, I wrote a “I’m Thankful for you….” note as well as delivered a special treat for the ones I help regularly. 

Day 26

Who:  Waitress

Our family doesn’t go out to eat very often (we typically eat meals at home or take a lunch to work / school) so it is a real treat when we can go out or meet a friend for lunch.  I had the opportunity to meet a friend for lunch today, it was wonderful having a chance to catch up for a little bit.  One of the jobs I had in High School and College was waitresses.  I loved doing it because it was great exercise, I got to meet a lot of neat people, and it helped pay the bills, but it was lower paying and at times exhausting.  After working at a couple different places over the years I have learned to appreciate those in the restaurant industry.  As a way of showing my appreciation and thanks to the person serving us today I gave a generous tip at the restaurant, hopefully it will be a blessing to the person waiting on us. 

Day 25

Who:  Ministry Team Leaders

There are some people within the church and community who spend a lot of their time and energy helping others.  They are involved in several ministries and their dedication to the body as well as outreach shines.  I am part of a ministry at church called Alms & Legs, we do multiple activities within our church and community from providing a food pantry for people in need, clothing, helping with bills, repairs, free GED tutoring, Operation Christmas Child, Heart of Christmas, Shoes for kids in need, and many more activities.  The person who leads this group has a real passion for others and it shows.  I feel like it is important to say thanks to those in ministry leadership positions because they volunteer to do the work and often go above and beyond in their service to others.  Today I wrote a note of thanks to the person (and her family) who leads this great ministry.  She does a lot to make this ministry a success so we can make a positive impact on the lives of many within our body and community.