When was the last time you said “thank you” to someone?
I don’t mean a half-hearted muttering of words with little appreciation to back them up. But an honest and sincere expression of two little words that can mean the difference between feeling taken advantage of and feeling loved and respected.
Saying “thank you” is just good manners, wouldn’t you say? To recognize an act of kindness by another human being lets us know that we’re making a difference in someone’s life – that we’ve been influential and inspiring, sometimes when people need it most.
But I realize life isn’t a Hallmark movie, and people rarely if ever behave with any kind of moral conduct and compassion towards those living around them. For some they believe they are the entitled ones – your actions are expected and therefore they are above the need to express their thanks for your actions. Sounds cold doesn’t it, but it’s a reality so many are forced to deal with by those who fail to realize that, “Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” – Jean Baptiste Massieu.
I say that because people do not forget what you do, and don’t do for them. They don’t forget all the times you went above and beyond what was needed in order to make their lives easier, and just how often a heart-felt “thank you” was never uttered. I truly believe that, “A thankful person is thankful under all circumstances. A complaining soul complains even if he lives in paradise.” -Baha’u’llah
One day these unappreciative individuals will find themselves all alone in life – with no one to care for them, look after them or provide them with any kind of joy throughout the year. They might sit there scratching their heads wondering why they find themselves in such solitude.
Ralph Marston said it best: “Make it a habit to tell people thank you. To express your appreciation, sincerely and without the expectation of anything in return. Truly appreciate those around you, and you’ll soon find many others around you. Truly appreciate life, and you’ll find that you have more of it.”