On new–years-eve-day morning a friend held a book for me to view across the table. “Hey, have you read this?” I looked up and shook my head no. “I know you’re a very grateful person and do your best to express that to others

but this might be of interest to you.” As I put on my glasses to gaze at the cover my eyes lit up. “This book is about 365 days of expressing gratitude in the form of thank you notes… handwritten” She smiled at me. I smiled back and marveled at this concept – handwritten notes?! Why handwritten I wondered. “Get this,” she said, “by doing this it transformed the authors life! Imagine what this practice can do for someone who is already grateful?!” Her eyes sparkled with excitement. We gave each other a knowing smile. Game on.

One of the things I’ve learned is that success in business ALWAYS comes from my relationships and associations.

It’s not about hierarchy. It’s about quality, appreciation and acknowledging others help on your journey. Once you fully realize this, your journey will be much easier.

It was true – I had learned to make a point of saying thank you to friends, family and associates. It has been a practice that has healed personal and professional relationships over the years. A simple “thank you for all you do, really” to my sister ended years of unspoken resentment.

Making a point of telling members of my team who went above and beyond the call of duty “thank you” ended the belief that they were not truly being appreciated or seen for what they do.

And picking up the phone to tell an old mentor that they ch

anged my life by 1 simple piece of advice they gave me evoked an air of humility and appreciation.

However, a few months ago I received an email from someone who worked with me on my team in Australia thanking me for the opportunity I gave them and how it changed the trajectory of their lives. I smiled. It made me warm inside and I welled up with emotion that was nothing short of pride at her accomplishments.

I was proud of this young woman and truly appreciated her kind words.

I don’t think I would have considered the 365 days of writing thank you notes if that email hadn’t come. But in that moment I remembered how wonderful and touching it was to have someone say thank you. That this was indeed a gift first and foremost to the person receiving it. And it reminded me that the act of gratitude is part of relationship building. When another person is appreciative and grateful towards you, as human beings we instinctively want to give more and do more for that person. Not for the praise, but for the mere fact that they embody gratitude. Think about it.

To achieve more of what you want, you must be grateful for what you have now.

Then express this gratitude to others.

In doing so you recognize your blessings.

No matter what it is.

Handwriting the note is the surprise to the receiver and it shows that you cared enough to take the time, make it personal and meaningful. Also by handwriting it, you are more connected to the act. It doesn’t have to be long or formal at all. A couple sentences will suffice.

Fancy stationary isn’t necessary but if you’re like me, COLORFUL is the preference.

Check out my neighbors, David and Melinda, who supply fantastic stationary at LION IN THE SUN http://lioninthesunps.com/ They’ve helped me find some gorgeous, simple, expressive note cards and envelops for this project.

Also read John Kralik’s book “A Simple Act of Gratitude. How Learning to Say Thank You Changed My Life” which has inspired my new thank you note writing. Hopefully you’ll want to participate too!

If you do, please be sure to let me know how it goes.

I’m off to the mailbox to mail then next 21 notes I’ve written this afternoon – I’m done with my quota for January!

Helpful hint: write a number of notes at once to make it easier for yourself.