A Note of Thanks
If you spend any time at all on Facebook, you’ve likely seen a new trend this November. I’m not talking about political status updates—thank goodness. Someone, somewhere in the World Wide Web decided that each day in November, they would post a status about something they were thankful for. The crusade was adopted and has become a certifiable trend. And I couldn’t be happier.
One of my best habits is saying thank you. I say it a lot. I thank cashiers, waiters, and people who hold open doors just like my mother taught me. But I also offer up non-verbal thanks. I’ve never cared too much about figuring out who I’m silently thanking, maybe it’s a higher being, maybe it’s the universe, maybe it’s the neurons firing in my brain. Truth is, that part just doesn’t matter so much to me. What matters is acknowledging my gratitude.
Every night and every morning I silently reel off a list of things and people I’m grateful for: My husband, my family & friends, my life, my health, the health of all the people I already mentioned etc. I think it helps put me in the proper frame of mind and reminds me how incredibly blessed I am to lead the life I do.
Throughout the day I’ll send out silent shout outs for the things that make me happy—a letter from a friend, a particularly great cup of coffee, a snuggly blanket. Acknowledging the joy or peace of a moment goes hand in hand with being grateful. When I tell my husband how content I am to be sitting next to him and reading a good book, I’m also saying thanks; thanks for a perfect moment.
I haven’t hopped on the Facebook thanks train, at least not yet, but I’ve enjoyed reading notes of gratitude from friends and acquaintances who are thankful for their family, friends, freedom, jobs, spouses, and pets among other things. Right now, I’m thankful that I have the opportunity to write this column every week, I’m grateful to Elisabeth and Miya for welcoming my enthusiastic email and inviting me in; I am continually awed by my inclusion as a contributor alongside women whose words paint pictures, tell stories, and inspire searching thought and I am always pleased as punch that anyone besides my parents would care to read my words.
In Thanks,
Renee
Nov 08, 2012 @ 10:19:16
I haven’t jumped on the Facebook bandwagon either. Like you, my thanks are often silent words of gratitude.
Nov 08, 2012 @ 15:35:57
I did 30 Days of Thankfulness for 3 years before it caught on this year. (I saw it from a friend back then…not trying to take credit!) But what’s funny is, now that it’s this huge trend on FB, I am totally resistant to it! Although I still wanted to express my thankfulness, I just don’t want to be the same as everyone else. I’m kind of embarrassed to admit it, since it IS about gratitude. Anyway, I think I will do it privately this year, especially since now that so many are doing it, it’s bound to become a veiled competition of who has better things to be thankful for…it’s already becoming that from what I can see!
Nov 13, 2012 @ 15:50:41
I would hate to see it as a competition, but I see how in such a public place it could turn into that. I like the idea of creating keepsakes with the project. I’ve seen blogs where people write down something each day and then save them. Whether its social media, silent, or crafty- I think we can all agree the important thing is to say Thanks!
Nov 08, 2012 @ 16:04:41
We’re thankful to have you! What a kind and thoughtful post. It only confirms what we could already tell from your columns and all our interactions with you–that you’re a warm-hearted and wonderful person. We’re lucky to have you on board.
Nov 13, 2012 @ 15:51:37
Aw, thanks guys! I feel pretty blessed to be here. Thanks for curating such a wonderful site and community.
Nov 09, 2012 @ 11:52:00
I have seen this meme pop up various places and it’s warmed my heart every time. Thank you for telling its story, and every story, with the grace you always do. The Equals Record column above hit it right on the head ;)
Nov 13, 2012 @ 15:48:51
Sending you a Virtual Hug Roxanne! Thanks as always for your words.