When we are little, one of the first things we are taught to say when something is given to you is “Thank You,” the same way we are taught to say “Bless You” immediately after somebody sneezes—an almost knee-jerk reaction. It’s the polite and proper thing to do, but we move on from it quickly, even when we really mean it.
To truly feel and express being thankful, it must come from a place of realizing we are grateful. Being grateful is the act of feeling or expressing kindness—something that many of us don’t do enough of.
Being grateful requires slowing down and hitting pause. Many of us don’t feel like we ever have enough time. Frankly, sometimes it feels just plain uncomfortable or strange to pause and express it—like we’re worried somebody might misinterpret our intentions. We live in a culture driven by speed and immediacy, and we replace intentional human interactions – some that are joyful and some that are hard – with digital ones, using social media and our digital tools to convey our feelings.
Because of this, many of us have forgotten to express and share our gratitude for each other—we’re just racing through life.
We reserve holidays for being grateful for somebody – Thanksgiving, Veteran’s Day, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day – yet many of us forget to even express or reflect on it at the dinner table or on the days we’re given off from work to celebrate them. And during the other days of the year, many of us forget or don’t know how to express it when it is relevant or on time.
I share this story because I was too late to say 'Thank You.'
If there is somebody you should say “Thank You” to, don't wait. Make the time and do it now.