Two little words that can make such a difference

Let me share what a difference two little words can make. Those two words are “thank you.” Simple words can make such a huge difference in your life as well as the lives of those around you. Most probably they were some of the very first words taught to you as an infant; yet as we age, we sometimes fail to use those two magic words. Psychologists have reported that verbalizing those words can actually improve your relationship with others, as well as helping you feel happier inside.

The modern world we live in is competitive and fast-paced. We are offered home delivery for many services because people feel too busy to perform the task in person. There just doesn’t seem like there is time to stop and smell the roses, let alone express thanks to those around you providing kindness to you. Are we too wrapped up in our own thoughts and concerns, that we cannot look into the eyes of the person providing a kindness to us and say the simple words “thank you” such as to the grocery clerk bagging our groceries or to the hotel employee who is checking us and providing valuable information to make our stay more pleasant?

With the explosion of social media, our worlds have become really more isolated. The options of working from home tend to isolate us. The use of earbuds sends nonverbal signals to not communicate with a person sitting right next to you. We become more inner focused than outward-focused, missing out on the amazing people around us and the services they are providing to you.

There is the old adage “It is always right to be polite.” Period. Saying thank you requires very little time but is so effective. Expressing appreciation to, a friend, a coworker, a family member, your clergy, the concierge, the grocery clerk, literally anyone you interact with, is deserving of being recognized and appreciated. If you feel awkwardness at expressing thanks face to face, sending a thank you card is simple and can promote a more lasting impression with that person. Many people will send thank you cards for a wedding but never send any more in their life.  Don’t let this happen to you. If nothing else, by using those simple two words, you will become more aware of those around you and find reasons to genuinely say thank you.