Dear Robin,
Thank you for surprising me with a copy of the book, '365 Thank Yous'. Your thoughtful gesture made me smile, as well as your observation that the author's message was, in any way, similar to our message at the House of Shine. I will take it as a true compliment. Not only could I not put the book down once I started it, but I have since given the book to two other people, as well as started my own campaign to send 365 thank you notes in a year. Your generosity and support is such an unexpected, but appreciated, gift. Thank you, Robin, for spreading Shine.
Sincerely, Claudia
What a perfect way to kick off a month of March celebrations than with National Write a Letter of Appreciation Week. Robin is correct, that promoting the lost art of thank-you notes is right up our alley and my enthusiasm for the book made today's topic the perfect coincidence.
The premise of "365 Thank Yous" is similar to a book we read last year titled, "29 Gifts", by author Cami Walker. Author, John Kralik, like Walker was at a low point in his life and felt like his personal life, his professional life, his living conditions, and his physical and mental health were all suffering. While Walker gave 29 gifts in 29 consecutive days, Kralik wrote 365 thank yous in a one year's time. Kralick's book, like Walker's, is an account of all the ways in which his life improved by virtue of being (and showing) more gratitude.
It's a good book, easy to read, and Kralick's account of life changing events certainly creates a compelling case for the power of gratitude.
Join me, Brownielocks, John Kralick, and Cami Walker in celebrating National Write a Letter of Appreciation Week by committing to send at least one letter of appreciation. Your pick. Spouse, colleague, hair dresser, mailman, friend, teacher, grocery bagger, or coach. And if you don't like any of those choices, consider thanking the originators of these other fun holidays being celebrated today, March 1: Asiatic Fleet Memorial Day; National Horse Protection Day; Peace Corp's Birthday; Pig Day; Plan a Solo Vacation Day; and Refired, Not Retired Day. The choice is yours.
Even better still, double your dose of good karma by remembering to also send this week's recipient of the Yellow Envelope Project (YEP) a note of appreciation...sealed in a yellow envelope, of course. Click here for Aidan's YEP story and his mailing address.
Shining off until tomorrow...