Jen Weigel of the Chicago Tribune recently wrote an article about John Kralik, a Los Angeles attorney whose life was in the pits. His law firm was not doing well, he was going through a divorce, living and a cramped apartment and didn’t know how he was going to pay his staff. On January 1, 2008, he was hiking in the Pasadena Mountains thinking about his failures when he heard a loud voice say, “Until you learn to be grateful for the things you have, you will not receive the things you want.” According to Mr. Kralik, the voice was loud. “Loud enough to make me think that it was important. And I wasn’t grateful. I was having trouble finding anything positive in my life.” It was then he decided to spend the next year hand writing a letter every day saying thank you to someone who had made a difference in his life—from the barista at Starbuck’s who remembered his name to former business associates who gave him his start. People who received these letters were so moved that they wrote thank you letters back. This experience has affected Mr. Kralik’s life in a number of ways. His attitude has dramatically changed (he now appreciates all the good things going on in his life), his personal relationships have improved and his career has taken a very positive turn. He is now a judge with the Los Angeles County Superior Court and has written a book about his experience: 365 Thank Yous. The Year a Simple Act of Daily Gratitude Changed My Life. He says, “I don’t pretend to have THE answer, but it does demonstrate that when you really take the time to write a specific and unique letter from the heart, that person realizes how they matter and can reflect that back. I’m blessed that things have fallen in place for me.”
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This is a great book and I’ve recommended it highly to many. Once I heard about it, even before I actually read it, I committed myself to writing one thank you note a day in 2011. Admittedly, I’m a few days behind right now, however it’s the idea of looking for and focusing on the good stuff that’s important.
And the comments I’ve gotten from the note recipients is unbelievable. You have no idea the impact you can have on someone; it’s very powerful.
Dear Lori,
It’s always great to hear from you! You’ve inspired me to write thank you letters as well. I hope all is well. All the best, Ross
I am looking forward to get your weekly reminders… You write on great pointers… It inspires me each and every time.. Thank you for your persistence and commitment to have a more beautiful world and passing the good energy around.
Dear Alenoush,
Thank you so much for your kind comments–they made my week! I appreciat them very much. Ross
Dear Ross: I had heard his story before or read it some place. It is interesting. I know I have always enjoyed personal thank you’s from my students when I was working, in fact, I still have a bunch of them. I personally haven’t tried this on the scale he did but I do try to acknowledge the kindnesses of friends who take me here or there or in some other way help me and there are many!!!!! I am so blessed. Ann.
really good , Ross….you nailed it! jc
Dear Judy,
Thank you for your very kind comment. All the best.
Nice piece. I wouldn’t have the job I have today on the Mountain Campus of NAU, a job I’ve had for 30 years, had I not sent a thank you letter in response to a rejection letter.
Dear Martin,
Thanks for the great story. I’ll be staying at the Little America this fall. Maybe I’ll run into you again. All the best, Ross
Thanks for this reminder.
Dear Patti,
You’re more than welcome. I hope all is well.
Love that you highlighted the thank-yous, Ross Thank You. (Hand-texted)
Pat
Dear Pat,
Thanks for your hand-texted reply. It’s always great to hear from you. All the best, Ross
Just purchased a copy of the book! Thank you Ross!
Dear Martin,
It’s always good to hear from you. I hope all is going well. All the best, ross
Nothing can substitute face to face relationship! A piece of our personality is out handwritten card/letter. I believe that to dearest people in your life you should write letters yourself. But there are situation when handwritten notice is highly welcome to the person that do not know you handwrite. In that case you use ThankYouPen art iPhone application which sends hand-written letters and greeting cards directly from iOS devices . You type your message and post team physically handwrites a message, address the envelope and mail it to the recipient.
Dear Sara,
Thank you for your comments. I couldn’t agree with you more. If an email can make a person’s day, a handwritten letter can make a persopn’s year. I believe strongly in handwritten letters. The point of my Weekly Reminder is that if you need to take a quick break from what you’re doing, use some of that time to to shoot someone a day-brightening email. Thanks again.