When was the last time you wrote a thank you, or a handwritten note, and gave it someone? For many of us, it has been a long time since we took the time to do this simple act. Why is this?

I remember a few years ago I made a custom thank you card and gave it our team’s secretary for her help with a project. She went above and beyond, and deserved much more than a card, but at the time that was all I could offer her. This event made a huge impact on me because when I gave it to her, she was completely surprised, and I could tell she was fighting back tears. She then shared that she often felt that her work didn’t matter, and that she really appreciated me taking a moment to recognize her and thank her. Months later I saw the card was still on her desk.

This event inspired me to make a smaller, blank version of the thank you card, and to print several and keep them on hand. Over the past years I have given a number of these cards out with a small handwritten message. I continue to be amazed at the impact this small action has, and even more amazed at the number of recipients who proudly display the card for months on their desk. This small act has delivered joy to others, but amazingly, it has also increased my joy.

The idea of thank-you cards, or handwritten notes, is not new.  I read out it at least a dozen times, but it took the personal experience for me to really see the value it brought. I understand you are busy. That life is hectic. However, I hope that the next time someone does something that makes you smile, or goes beyond expectation, that you take a moment to celebrate them and tell them they matter.

The world is filled with great people. Take time to celebrate the special ones in your life.

All the best,

Douglas Diemel