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Just Say, “Thank You!” (And then watch what happens)

The spirit of service is a truly transformational force in the world – and the spirit of gratitude is a very powerful way to amplify it.

I learned so much about this by watching the ways of a charming lady named Kathryne Holmes. She was elderly by the time I met her, yet always made the effort to attend our Toastmasters conferences and events. Although she wasn’t part of our leadership team, per se, she definitely was a world-class leader – in the art of expressing gratitude.

Every single time I crossed paths with Kathryne, she made a point to stop what she was doing, look me in the eye, share a warm smile, and thank me for my service and contribution to the organization.

Kathryne thanked people wherever she went, for whatever they did – large or small. And whenever she did, people could feel her genuine gratitude. It rang out through the tone of her voice; it shined through her smile and the sparkle in her eyes. And people were always so touched by this; they felt different afterward.

That’s the heart of gratitude – it makes people feel different. It energizes us; it lights up our hearts; and it inspires us to want to do more!

When someone thanks us for our efforts, they make it so much easier to contribute again. And the more joy and warmth they express, the more honored and appreciated and inspired we feel.

Appreciation doesn’t just flow from one person to the other… it flows through both people and out into the world, investing positive energy into their spirits, and therefore, their efforts.

Saying thank you gives people a little push to continue performing or behaving in a way that is worthy of acknowledgment. It creates an eagerness to show up at our best – and that eagerness is highly contagious! So even the simplest “thank you!” makes waves that reach and influence an unknowable number of people.

Kathryne has since passed on, but I will always be grateful for the way she modeled the practice of expressing gratitude to others. Until I saw her in action, I never realized how a simple expression of appreciation can become such a powerful force in the world. It is an agent of change, and a powerful tool to mobilize the best in people.

In the Olympics, the difference between good and great is just a fraction of a second… but in life, the difference between good and great might just be an expression of gratitude.

Something to consider:

This past year was probably my busiest one yet. As the leader of a 6,000 member organization (Toastmasters District 21), I was constantly on the go, juggling far more than ever before.

Along the way, I witnessed SO many people contributing their efforts and insights and time – and doing so wholeheartedly! I was touched to the point of feeling reverence.

And yet, when we’re at our busiest, it can be very challenging to slow down enough to offer some heartfelt acknowledgment, or to be consistent in doing so. But it is always time well spent – and much easier than suffering the regret of missing the opportunity.

I’ve been reflecting on this a lot lately, because it pains me to think that I failed to thank some people as directly and sincerely as they deserved. If I could, I would call each and every person who contributed along the way, to thank them not only for their actions but also for their supportive spirit.

Although I can’t make thousands of phone calls, I can honour their contributions with a commitment to the spirit of gratitude.

I sincerely hope you will join me in this practice.

Margaret Page

Posted by Margaret Page in A Page of Insight.