No, thank you!

I have been out and about quite a bit these days meeting with all kinds of fabulous folks, from both the for profit and the public benefit sectors. These generous individuals are giving me some of their hard pressed time to talk about matters around the opportunities in the community and also share their insights about being part of the overall community. I thank each of them, in person, in email and - wait for it - with a handwritten thank you note.

I can be a bit old school, if you will, about some things around etiquette and the glory of the handwritten letter or note.  I love putting one of my favorite pens to paper and writing a kind word of appreciation about time well spent together, whether it be with a pal or a new professional associate.

I even write letters to pals who live around the country and it is such a treat to receive their responses in the mail, of all things.  I also save those notes I receive in a little book so when I am searching for a bit of boost or want to put a smile on my face, I page through my collection of love notes to add a little sunshine to my gray mood.

Granted, one must purchase the notecards and stamps, plus spend the time to compose a heartfelt message, but what a gesture that is relatively easy to do.  

The four letter word that I don't dare utter these days doesn't start with an "F"; it starts with a "B" as in "busy". All of us are busy and I now make it a point to open up a few moments each day to reach out and say 'thank you'.  I haven't pushed technology totally aside and use emails and text messaging to share a quick 'how are you doing?' or 'You are the cat's pajamas!' message several times a week.  But for some of those occasions, a handwritten note is my preferred method of communication of 'you are the best'.  Here's a great link about suggested modern etiquette when all you want to do is say 'thank you':

www.designsponge.com

If you want to send me a little note in the mail, let me know.  I'm happy to provide my address and do my part to help keep postal workers busy bringing words of gracious gratitude and love to mailboxes worldwide.

Thank you!