A Gift of Thanks!

When is the last time you were given a thoughtful gift from the heart?  A gift that made a positive impact on your life?  I love Thanksgiving because it is a truly wonderful time of the year when people are thankful for all the blessings in their lives.  We need to make a real effort to continue the spirit of thankfulness every day of our lives.  Take time every day to make a meaningful contribution into a person’s life.  Everyone desires to be  appreciated and thoughtfulness for others goes a long way in both our personal and professional lives.  Giving “A Gift of Thanks” does not mean it has to be time consuming, expensive, or stressful.  Here are a few quick ways to express your “Gift of Thanks” and thoughtfulness to those you interact with in your day to day life:

• Share a Smile – you may be the only smile someone encounters that day.  Make it a point to specifically smile at people you interact with throughout the day.  Smile when you are greeting people prior to a business event, shopping at the grocery store, waiting in line, welcoming them into your home, or making an introduction.

• Give a Hug – greet a personal or professional contact with a hug.  Some people love hugs and others really need a hug.  This is true in both personal and business situations.  A hug  is more personal than a handshake and demonstrates an appreciation for the recipient.   Use discernment and common sense  because not everyone will be comfortable with a hug.  Reserve big bear hugs for close friends and family.

• Note of Appreciation – a handwritten note of thanks, appreciation or thoughtfulness still means a lot.  Whether it is a client you haven’t heard from in a couple weeks, a friend who has recently lost a loved one, a family member on your mind and heart, a birthday, or reconnecting with a business contact.  Take the time to write a  note and touch the lives of those connected to you.

• Call of Encouragement – use the phone as friendly reminder that you care.  If they do not answer please be courteous and leave a message.  New business owners are excited about their products or services, call to see how things are going for them, listen, and encourage them.  A Mom with a newborn may appreciate a call from a friend to share new milestones or to encourage her.  Some people love a long chit chat and others do not.  Practice ways to give a “word” of encouragement while respecting their time.

• Cup of Coffee or Tea – share a cup of coffee or tea with a business contact, friend, or family member.  It is important to reconnect with someone you haven’t seen in awhile.  Make it a time to catch up and learn about what’s going on in their life and/or business.  It is not a time to sale or pry into deep problems but a few moments to help and encourage.

Take time every day to give  “A Gift of Thanks” to someone connected to you both personally and professionally.  Reaching out to others will be a rewarding experience for everyone.  Let’s help each other remember the importance of showing appreciation and kindness to others as a daily routine.  Please share a story of how you were impacted or how you impacted another person by giving “A Gift of Thanks” with us.

Wishing you a safe and Happy Thanksgiving!