After each series, I like to leave little nuggets called Along the Way, because along this journey, as we walk out our dreams, dust off the cobwebs on some of the ones stashed away, putting one foot in front of the other, it’s important to stop and make sure we do some things. One of those things is wrapped in two simple words, “Thank You.” So many times we live our lives on cruise control, busy, and solely focused on our own priorities and tasks. I also know that life isn’t always easy and it demands quite a bit out of us, but if you are reading this, no matter how hard life is, you are still standing, still alive and breathing. So while you are standing, it is so important to recognize and honor those people that have lifted you up and have helped to get you where you are today.
When we think of those moments, our minds tend to remember the biggest obstacles in our lives and how someone helped us (which we should be sooo grateful for), BUT at the same time, we cannot forget the small moments- the free donut you received that made you smile on a bad day, your fourth grade teacher who took the time to help you pass an exam, a friend who might have simply said I’m proud of you, a relative’s love that you take for granted, or a random text that said I’m thinking about you when you felt forgotten. Just stop for a second. Think about those moments and think about those people- even if you have to go back some years.
When I had my launch party for Dream Again, I wrote a hand written letter to each of my guests, because my launch party was not just about me, it was about every single person that attended and how they were pivotal in getting me to where I am today. Those guests ranged from people I talk to every day to those I hadn’t seen in years…friends that helped me multiple times during challenges and others who supported me in thoughts and prayers.
Go back through memory lane if you have to and tell that person, “Thank You”. That person(s) gave you that extra push, encouraged you to keep going, raised you, loved on you, taught you a valuable lesson that you might at first tried to resist, their example gave you direction, or their email gave you hope. It is important to stop and be thankful and to tell those people just how they specifically impacted your life. Some of us wouldn’t be where we are without them. Saying “Thank You” compels you to look at the good in others and allows you to think about what they have added to your life.
There are three types of people I want to address that sometimes struggle to say those words:
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- Married Couples. When was the last time you said “Thank You” to your spouse? We often take our spouse for granted and assume they know how thankful we are. Both my husband I have been guilty of this. Sometimes spouses need to hear those words just to know you appreciate even the small things they do.
- Leaders. You cannot task your team to do 101 things and in the process forget to appreciate them. It’s because of your team, their support and their hard work that you’ve accomplished all you have. People want to know you appreciate their contribution and what they have added. You risk losing them if you don’t express gratitude.
- You are hurt because of something someone did to you and your relationship has been strained for a very long time. Sometimes it will be your “Thank You” that helps start the healing process, because in some circumstances, what they did to hurt you doesn’t negate the fact that they once added some great things to your life, so thank them for that moment (in spite of what was done). Speaking from personal experience, you will be amazed at what comes out of that maturity. The result might not be a close knit relationship, but forgiveness and respect can form.
So, “sing the praises” of those that have impacted you by remembering the acronym SING. Let your “Thank You” be… (S)PECIFIC, (I)NSTANTANEOUS, a (N)ormal part of everyday life, and (G)enuine.
With ALL that being said, I want to thank YOU. Thank you from the bottom of my heart for the support you have given me- encouraging texts, DMs, Facebook messages, comments, support in viewing, sharing, liking and subscribing. You have no clue how much they have pushed me to keep going. Let’s take time to express our gratitude. Its one thing we don’t do enough, but one that makes a profound difference in the lives of others. Thank you! For videos, challenges, and daily encouragement, click here.