The Power of 'Thank You' and "I'm Sorry". 07.12.18

Two years ago, amid my personal chaos, a new school year began. I was anxious about it, as I wasn't sure how I would be able to stay focused on work, since many nights were sleepless and days were spend trying to devise a resolution to my chaos. But, after just a few days in, my perspective began to change when I received a thank you note from an administrator. Then a week or so later, I received another one, and then a thank you from a fellow teacher, then another one. Before Christmas that year, I had received five thank you notes at work. Since then, I've received many more to add to that list-  a very sweet and heartfelt thank you note from a relative, a thank you text from another relative, several thank you letters from students, thank you notes from my grandsons, texts of gratitude from my son and step-son and, at the end of last school year, an apology letter from a student who, in a moment of anger, disrespected me.  Now, I'm not sharing this with you in a bragging way.  I'm sharing it because sometimes sentiments like this are taken for granted, or shrugged off because they seem like just a common courtesy.  But, in my case, it seemed like magic.  They came at a time when my circle of trust had dwindled to a few people and I thought that I couldn't really count on heartfelt kindnesses from anyone other than those few people. I can't help but think that the people sending those notes must have sensed that I needed something positive in my life and they came through for me. And they will probably never understand how much their words meant to me and how much I will always treasure them.  Those simple notes made a huge difference in my perspective. And for me, it didn't matter if the words were written, typed in a Facebook message, sent later than what is considered an "appropriate time frame", texted, e-mailed or verbally communicated- it was the thought, the gesture itself, that counted. It is not my place to instill rules on how a person relays gratitude or regret. I was just grateful.

Now, though, more than ever, I am acutely aware when those simple, but very important words- "Thank you" and "I'm sorry"- are not communicated. It doesn't make me mad. It makes me sad. Because they have missed a golden opportunity to lift someone up, or, in other cases, make things right. And the person who deserves to hear those words, at the very least may feel slighted, and at the very worst, disregarded.

My daughter and step-daughter are both very good at sending thank you notes, even in cases where they aren't necessarily called for (as in -they may have already said thank you in person). I told my step-daughter at the beginning of the year how much I admired that about her and that she inspired one of my new year resolutions- to write more thank you notes. I've been pretty good about it, but now I'm going to step it up and turn this into a challenge for myself and for anyone reading this. In a world where we are bombarded with negativity, judgement and criticism, sending some love out into the world might just make a difference, to at least some of us, right? So, I'm going to start my "Thank you" notes and, if warranted, my apology notes. But, I'm going into it with absolutely no expectation. The recipient can take it any way they please. I'm not looking to receive any acknowledgement from them. My only goal is sending some positive energy into the world. So I'll start with my world and hope that it inspires you to do the same for the people in your world.

My notes will start with the easiest ones, to get the ball rolling. Some of the others may take a little longer, because, lets face it, some of them may be really hard to write. But you can always find at least one good thing in every person, no matter who they are. For just a few minutes, focus only on the positives. You may actually find that the negatives begin to fall away. 

So, if you get a thank you from me, but you haven't actually given me something, don't be surprised. It could just be that I am simply thankful for you and want you to know what I love about you. (I was tempted to title this post "Love Letters", but I thought some people might get the wrong idea!) If you don't get a note from me, you may just get a message on Facebook, or a text. Please don't be offended by that, as it's probably just the only way I know how to reach you. Maybe you'll get one right away. Maybe it will take awhile. But, if you have affected my life in a positive way, start checking your mailbox- virtual or otherwise.

Let the dreamers unite... by spreading some love around!

Who will be the lucky ones who get your ball rolling?


Be Still. Be Strong. Be Happy.  ~  Juli

P.S. I'm keeping this blog for personal essays, like this one, and art related posts. For my thoughts on anything "yoga" related, begin watching for posts on my Olive and Ash Yoga blog space. Yes, I've resurrected the "Olive and Ash" name for my yoga business. I love it!