The Lost Art of the Handwritten Thank You Card

Between e-mails and the harried life we lead, it seems a miracle if people remember to take a moment to say thank you at all anymore. It is a shame because acts of gratitude have an exponential positive impact — on the person saying thanks and the person receiving the thank you. And, quite frankly there is nothing quite like a handwritten thank you card in today’s high-tech, low-touch world.

Recently a client of mine had a goal of completing the first draft of her novel by her 50th birthday. The timeframe was a little tight since we started working together only about 13 weeks before her birthday. While she has been a writer and editor all her life, the dream of completing a novel eluded her. Lo and behold with some coaching and a lot of hard work, she reached her goal (I never had a doubt!)! This week she not only turned 50 but printed off a glorious 230 pages of her manuscript to start the editing process. To celebrate her birthday I had gotten her a card and a one of the classic books on writing, Anne Lamott’s Bird by Bird . During more than one coaching session, we talked about the need to let go and just write that “shitty first draft” as Lamott tells it.

My client was happy to receive this gift and took the time to write a brief thank you note. I certainly didn’t expect it, but it sure is a heartwarming gesture and is much appreciated. Maybe I am a sucker for an old-fashioned handwritten note that reflects the uniqueness of the person sending it (after all, our handwriting is always distinctive even for those of us who lean toward the illegible), but when someone takes the time to say thanks it makes the world a better place. It opens up a space where both people can receive more abundance into their lives.

Who could you thank today?
Think of someone who has done something you are thankful for. It could be a gift, a gesture, ongoing support, or something as simple as a kind word when you’re having a bad day. Then, go out and let them know either with a phone call or note, just how thankful you are!

tags:
lesbian , lesbian business owners,LGBT ,GLBT ,success

2 thoughts on “The Lost Art of the Handwritten Thank You Card”

  1. Jeffrey M. Harty

    As a business owner personable attention means a great deal to our clients not tyo mention a great dell to Harlo Whoelsale Lighting . Not only the large but as well as the small clients receive the same attention. As a our four year old company grows we need to grow with the times not to mention we need to expand our way of thinking. But this is a great resource for me to learn from let alone to receive the help that I need to grow this comapny to the fullest compacity. Thank you to the business coaches of coaching 4lesbians.com.

    Sincerely,
    Michele Harty

    Harlo Wholesale Lighting Inc.
    ph 973-882-9299

  2. Thanks for your comment Michele! Especially in times of growth it is important to not miss the little things like personal attention and saying "please" and "thank you". It is when we're most harried and focused elsewhere that we can let them slip. And, as I learned years ago "little things DO matter."

    Thanks for reading and good luck with your expansion!

    _Paula

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