The Handwritten Note of Gratitude
How often during a day, a week or a month has someone said something unexpectedly kind to you or done something unusually helpful? Most likely you acknowledged their thoughtfulness with a word of thanks. Then that’s where it ended. You remember the experience from time to time, but you never do anything more.
I have to confess that I am writing this with a bit of guilt. A mere five days ago someone took action for me and accomplished a task that I had been requesting for months. I warn you that this may sound ridiculous, but I needed a nozzle connected to the water source on my patio. Sounds simple and easy. I had people promise to do it, but they never did. Finally I found just the person who could get things done and do them with joy. Within a few hours of my asking, a new shiny nozzle appeared on my patio connected to my hose. I was thrilled, but did I do anything to express my gratitude other to call and say how much I appreciated the help? No. I intended to write a note of gratitude. However, it hasn’t happened yet
Why not? Writing a thank you note sounds easy enough.. All you need to do is take a minute or two out of your day, find a note card, envelope, pen and a stamp. Next you write a few sentences—it need not be lengthy—expressing your gratitude. It is surprising how challenging this is for most people. Making a phone call, sending a text or writing an email feels much easier. As a result, we think about the note and we put it off for an embarrassingly long time until the idea becomes ancient history.
Let me suggest a few steps that will help you write those notes of gratitude. These are the same steps that I need to follow myself and will do so as soon as I finish this article.
Keep stationery on hand, fold over notes, correspondence cards or letter-size paper.
Buy several pens that you enjoy writing with.
Have stamps at the ready.
Keep all your supplies where they are easily accessible.
Schedule a time as soon as possible to write your note. The best time, of course, is right away.
Then do it.
Thank you notes need not be lengthy. A few sentences are enough if you are feeling challenged for words.
Mention specifically what you are grateful for.
Let the person know what their kindness meant to you. Maybe it changed your day.
Select a closing that you are comfortable with. It could be “Gratefully”, “With sincere gratitude” or even “Thank you again”.
Sign your name and you’re done.
Your note may, in fact, make the other person’s day.
I would like to leave you with a quote from my dear friend and colleague, Elizabeth Herbert Cottrell, the author of HEARTSPOKEN: How to Write Notes that Connect, Comfort, Encourage, and Inspire.
“Some say the handwritten note is a dying art, yet in both professional and personal life, it is still one of the most powerful tools we have for connecting meaningfully with others. A well-written note can give voice to the stirrings of your most heartfelt sentiments and can be read, saved, and treasured forever.”