Keep it Simple!

Since this newsletter is all about gratitude, let me go first.?I’M GRATEFUL FOR YOU…all of you who subscribed, shared, liked, or responded in some way.

I'm incredibly grateful to Caroline Lewis who suggested creating this newsletter six months ago. Caroline is part of the amazing team at Lawson House that serves as our marketing agency.?

The idea of I'M GRATEFUL FOR YOU arrived during a conversation with Lawson House CEO, Suzie Consoli, on May 19, 2022. Thanks, Suzie and the team for the amazing support you provide! You've been instrumental from Day One.

It's been a mind-blowing ?? and heart-expanding ?? week. That's what Living IN Gratitude does for us...on a regular basis.

This Week's Inspiration

This quote from William James, known as the Father of American Psychology, really sticks with me. It's actually a key driver behind this newsletter and our work.

The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated.

Craving is an intense desire. People everywhere have this longing, this craving to be seen, heard, valued, and appreciated.

When people FEEL seen, heard, valued, and appreciated, they flourish!

When, and where people do NOT feel seen, heard, valued, and appreciated, they wither!

You've witnessed this phenomenon in action.

We hope this newsletter inspires and encourages you to NOTICE people wherever you go. Actually, we hope one million people experience gratitude expressed to them in the next year!

This Week's Tip

Gratitude and appreciation don't have to be complicated. In fact, the simplest expressions can leave the most profound impact! ??

Let me break it down for you. When gratitude and appreciation are simple, sincere, and specific, the impact is significant.

When gratitude and appreciation are consistently communicated, their impact is transformational on your team, your culture, and your company.

This week, we’re focusing on keeping it SIMPLE.

When you express gratitude and appreciation, use plain language. There's no need to make it complicated or use highfalutin language and lofty words.

It’s more important to be clear than trying to be clever.

Keep your message simple and heartfelt. Short words can have a big impact on someone's life. ??

We use cards that have four words on the front: I'M GRATEFUL FOR YOU and are blank on the back where you can add the reason why in simple language.

The Invitation

Let’s put simple appreciation into practice NOW! ??

Send a short, sincere message to someone you know who could use some kindness and encouragement right now.

Need help? Here's some guidance for you:

1. Choose someone you'd like to appreciate. It could be a friend, family member, coworker, or even a stranger who has made a difference in your life.
2. Compose a simple and genuine message expressing your gratitude and acknowledging their positive impact on you. Remember, simplicity is key!
3. Send your lovely note via text, email, or a handwritten letter. To sprinkle extra joy, consider sharing a photo or video message.
4. Don’t be surprised if gratitude is boomeranged ?? back to you. Embrace the warmth and positive feelings expressing appreciation creates! ??

Please share what happens as you express gratitude. We love hearing and sharing stories — they inspire and encourage others on this journey.

Coming Soon

July 1 is the two-year anniversary of when we launched I’M GRATEFUL FOR YOU, a movement that inspires people to express gratitude. To celebrate, we’re proclaiming July as Don’t Wait to Thank Month and invite YOU to join us.

We have many fun things planned to inspire and encourage the sharing of gratitude in July. Learn more here and sign up to become a Don't Wait to Thank Participant or Partner.