By Kathy Vergel - Director of Development, Imagine
“Thank you.” Two little words that hold so much meaning and are so incredibly important. A sincere, heartfelt thank you makes one feel seen, heard and appreciated; it makes one feel that their presence or contribution has had an impact, and that’s all that anyone really wants…to feel that they’ve made a difference.
The lack of a “thank you” is equally felt and its absence can sour a relationship. Failing to thank someone and show gratitude oftentimes is due to something innocuous and altogether understandable – people are overworked and spread too thin or are managing too many commitments and things invariably fall by the wayside. Unfortunately, however, not being acknowledged can lead to someone feeling taken for granted or taken advantage of. Did that person not see me? Did they not appreciate what I did for them? Maybe it wasn’t important…?
Like most things in life, we can overthink things to death, and our fear of not getting things perfectly can keep us from moving forward. We want to write the perfect thank you note, or say just the right thing in a thank you call, etc. The truth is that speaking from the heart – simply and honestly – is a full proof way of communicating. So, next time someone does something generous, whether it be big or small, just tell them how that made you feel. “Thank you so much for _________________. You made me smile today, and I really needed that. I hope you know how much I appreciate you.”
As an added bonus, thanking someone makes you feel really good, too. This Valentine’s Day why don’t you look for people in your life to thank? Maybe the crossing guard at your child’s school? A coworker that helped with a project? If you look for opportunities to thank someone and show gratitude, you won’t be disappointed, and you just might find more things to be grateful for.
Kathy Vergel
Director of Development, Imagine
kathy@imaginenj.org