Struggling? I've Got You...
Recently, a client asked me how to feel less lonely. My advice? Write a thank-you letter.
Gratitude does wonders for your brain, helping build those happy circuits that improve your well-being.
One of the best ways to show gratitude is to reflect on the people who’ve impacted your life and express that appreciation in writing. By being thoughtful and specific about how they’ve influenced you, you strengthen the sense of connection, not only within yourself but also with the person who reads your note.
Who’s a person that had a big impact on your life? Maybe it was a long-ago teacher or coach, maybe a boss who saw potential in you when you couldn’t see it in yourself. Maybe it’s a friend who’s always been there, or your significant other who makes every day better.
We often don’t take the time to acknowledge the people who’ve shaped us, but why not change that?
Even if you’re not feeling particularly great about where you are now, reflecting on someone who believed in you can help. When you remember how they saw the best in you, it can spark a renewed sense of self-confidence and push you toward becoming the person they knew you could be.
It may seem simple, but acknowledging someone’s role in your life—past or present —reminds you that you’re not walking this journey alone.
This doesn’t take long. Just answer a few simple questions:
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? Who are you wanting to thank?
? What did they do that was so meaningful?
? Can you recall something they said or did that really stuck with you?
? How have their advice or teachings helped shape your life?
? What would you like them to know about you today?
Bonus points if you go the extra mile and handwrite the letter. In a world of emails and texts, receiving a handwritten letter is a special gift, and it creates a powerful emotional impact for both the writer and the reader. Plus, there’s something so satisfying about receiving a letter in the mail, complete with a stamp and envelope.
Who will you write to today? Go ahead—let them know they’ve made a difference. You’ll feel great, and they’ll appreciate the thoughtful acknowledgment of their role in your life.
So, grab a pen, and start writing!
Executive Assistant
3 个月Dr. Carrie Johansson Thank you for this touching reminder of the power of gratitude. Writing thank-you letters is a beautiful way to foster connections and boost our well-being. Reflecting on the positive impact others have had can indeed transform our outlook. What are some of the most memorable responses you've received from expressing gratitude through letters?
Scale Your Impact and Income w/o Sacrificing Your Sanity ?? Business Growth Strategist for Coaches ?? Scalable Genius Method? ??? Podcaster ?? Co-Founder GEM Networking Community
3 个月Gratitude has a unique way of bridging emotional gaps, including loneliness. I can definitely see how reflecting on specific actions or words from someone meaningful adds depth to the connection. Have you found ever mailed one of these letters?
Revenue Producing Leaders ?? your impact & income | You’re in the room where it happens ?? | Be Invaluable | GSD | You know there's more | ?? Bender | Marathon Runner/Triathlete ????♀? ??♀???♀?
3 个月Dr. Carrie Johansson I love this as it’s true for those in career transition as well. phyl terry talks about it in his book Never Search Alone. You’ve inspired me to write about us as well in my next newsletter. Why do we forget about the amazing power of gratitude?
America’s “Usable AI for Business” Expert: Keynotes and Consulting | Specializing in Firms, Franchises, and Organizations: Automate the Ordinary, Personalize the Extraordinary
3 个月Beautifully put! Writing a thank-you letter is such a meaningful way to foster connection and gratitude. Do you find clients are surprised by how much this simple act can lift their spirits?
Fun "Anti-CRM" for Solo Consultants Who Hate "Selling" but Love Serving Clients. Put the "relationship" back in CRM: conversations, referrals, follow-up, lead magnets, proposals. Host of the Sales for Nerds Podcast ????
3 个月Love this, Dr. Carrie Johansson. Gratitude is important, and so is connection. We live in world with lots of material stuff, but often a poverty of those more important things. Sending a thank you note combines them.