You see without realizing it, we can gradually begin to to take for granted those people who make our lives more rich, more fun, more enjoyable and more rewarding for being in them.  It is very easy to become so accustomed to the people around us being a certain way that we stop really being conscious of the difference they make for us and how uniquely special they are.  Sadly, sometimes it is only when something changes and we don’t have them around anymore that we realize how fortunate we were to have had them in the first place.

So who is it that you appreciate?  Perhaps those who immediately come to your mind are members of your family – your spouse, your children, your parents, a sibling – or your close friends.  That’s great, but have you told them lately just how much you appreciate them?  I say ‘lately’ because if the last time you let them know you valued them was on a birthday card back in ‘88 then it may be high time for you to do so again. You might even demonstrate your appreciation by way of a gesture of some sort (chocolates will do me just fine thanks Andrew).  

But a little less close to home, I am sure there are people in your workplace you appreciate or enjoy working with.  Your boss, a colleague, an employee, a business partner, a supplier, the lady at the canteen who always gives you an extra big serving…. perhaps even a client!   Some you may know quite well, others less so. People don’t necessarily need to have a significant role in your life or be someone you feel close to for you to take a moment to thank them for being cheerful, helpful or enthusiastic.  As Sam Walton, founder of Walmart once said “Appreciate everything your associates do. Nothing else can quite substitute for a few well-chosen, well-timed, sincere words of praise. They're absolutely free and worth a fortune.”  Of course you may feel kind of corny telling your boss  how much you appreciate  him or her but if you’ve ever had a lousy boss you know how miserable they can make your work life and if you are a boss of someone just think about how it would make you feel for someone to thank you!

There are also people within your wider community that you may be taking for granted and whom a word of thanks could brighten their day.  Your child’s school teacher or soccer coach, the lady at the dry cleaners who always gets your shirts out when she sees you pulling up out front in your car so as not to waste your time, the security guard at the front desk who always remembers your name... the list goes on.    Now you may be thinking “but they are just doing their job so why say anything?” to which I would ask you to ponder the difference it would make if they didn’t bring the positive spirit that they do to “just doing their job”?  Once again, if you’ve ever had the joy of being served by a scowly sour puss (and who hasn’t?) you know what a pleasant difference it can make having someone who does do their job cheerfully and well.  It takes no effort on your part to acknowledge that but it may be just what they need to hear.

William James once wrote that the deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated. So as you take a moment now to think who you appreciate also consider who would appreciate hearing a few words of thanks or praise from you. I don’t know anyone who doesn’t enjoy hearing that they make a difference for someone – whether in a small or big way – so why not give someone that pleasure but offering them a few words of appreciation.  

But just because Thanksgiving is an annual event doesn’t mean you should only bother to thank people once every 12 months or so. Make it a daily habit to ask yourself who you could give a word of praise or thanks to.  Yes, your willingness to put your appreciation into words can brighten someone’s day today but tomorrow, when you’ve long forgotten the words you spoke you may be leaving them with something they can cherish for a lifetime.  Who knows what an impact a few words of praise and appreciation can have on another’s spirit! As Mother Teresa said ‘There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread’.

Finally I would like to say thank you for taking the time to read this email, for the encouraging emails you send me (which are always greatly appreciated) and for simply being who you are!  And wherever you are reading this, in the USA or elsewhere around the globe, may your week (and indeed your whole life) be one filled with Thanks Giving!

 
The Power of Now 
By Eckhart Tolle

This is a powerful book that will challenge how you see yourself. It explores the transforming power of the present moment.  If you are interested in exploring spirituality this book is a 'must read'. I cannot recommend it highly enough. 

Margie is available to do keynote and workshops in your organization or association. Please contact her for a summary of her key speaking topics. For speaking testimonials please visit www.margiewarrell.com.

Her forthcoming presentations include: