Write a letter
Writing a letter of gratitude/thanks is a great way to show appreciation for someone that made a difference in your life.
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How does it help?
STRENGTHENS RELATIONSHIPS
One of the most obvious benefits of writing thank you notes is the way the act strengthens relationships. As you sit down to write the note, you think about how much the gift/gesture/advice/favour means to you. When the giver receives your note, they realise how grateful you truly are. Plus, it makes them feel special that you cared enough to thank them formally. It may seem like a waste of time at first, but when it brings two people closer, it's not a waste at all.
TEACHES YOU TO BE GRATEFUL
When writing a note, you have to take a moment to really think about what you’re grateful for and why you're thankful for it. The simple act of writing a note teaches you the importance of being grateful. After doing this a few times, you'll take a little more time when you receive a gift/gesture/advice/favour to fully appreciate it.
ALLEVIATES GUILT
A phone call is nice, but somehow it doesn't always seem like enough. A thank you note helps alleviate any guilt you might feel over receiving an incredible gift/gesture/advice/favour without giving something in return. Appreciation is priceless. Putting it on paper is a permanent way to thank the person each time they see your card.
PRACTICE WRITING
You never know when you might need those writing skills in life. Thank you notes are a simple way to practice your writing skills and even improve your handwriting.
BRIGHTEN SOMEONE'S DAY
They're a great way to show someone you're thinking of them. Why not brighten someone's day by sending them a random thank you card? Thank them for making a difference in your life or being there during a difficult time. They'll love it and you'll feel great at the same time.
If you're feeling thankful, let someone know by writing them a letter.
How do I do it?
STEP 1: Focus on the recipient
Spend a few moments thinking about the recipient - what they did for you; what they said; what it meant…
STEP 2: Be specific
Once you’ve thought about what you’d like to say, write it down. The more detail you include, the more the gratitude letter will come to life. You might include the exact words you remember this person saying, and where you were when they said them. It could be the favour this person did for you, or the ways in which they championed you. It can be short! Just a few sentences should do it.
You can write a ‘thank you note’ if you want to be precise - this keeps the task less intimidating. And you can absolutely write your gratitude letter into an email if you prefer.
STEP 3: Add how it made you feel - then and now
The recipient might know the event or favour you’re referring to, but they most likely don’t know how it made you feel (thankful, probably, but also, perhaps, joyful? Safe? Relieved?). When you write down specifics - not only what you remember, but how you felt - you are offering something new. It’s your unique perspective on a shared experience.
STEP 4: End with gratitude, and a compliment
What does this favour or event say about the person? Are they kind or generous? Say what you mean! Perhaps toward the bottom of the letter, and end with a final “thank you.”