Saying Thank you
Giving a heartfelt and appropriate thank you is empowering. People in recovery learn that saying “thank you” promotes healing and inner peace. They practice being thankful for many things – for the big things, the small things, the important things and the average everyday hum-drum things.
And people in recovery practice expressing their thanks in many ways too.
But how do you know the best way to express your gratitude?
Here are some tips to help you determine the best and most appropriate way to say, “thanks.”
Emojis and texts
Emojis and texts are quick, easy and cute ways to say “thank you” in a moment’s time. They are probably the lightest and simplest way to express gratitude for the lightest and simplest gestures. For example, send an emoji when a friend spots you a few bucks in line at the fast-food counter or when your kids make their bed in the morning or wipe down the counter after they brushed their teeth. A quick emoji conveys “I notice you – I’m appreciative.” The person on the receiving end will receive your thanks along with a colorful emoji – sure to brighten their day.
Emails
Saying thank you via email has its place. AT WORK. Does a co-worker help you out on a project? Does someone at work pitch in outside their department to help you? Send a nice email of gratitude and express your feelings of thanks, then go a step further and copy the boss! Your coworker will certainly feel appreciated by you!
Phone calls
Saying thank you via phone call should be done WHENEVER YOU CAN. Far too often we live in a digital world, where tonality and expression are lost in the imagery of the digital message. A few minutes on the phone can humble a moment and brighten someone’s day.
Hand-written notes
Saying thank you via a hand-written note makes the gratitude very personal and should be done when personal moments and time between two people have been shared. For example, when a friend or neighbor brings you food when you are sick, or helps you out with a project. Handwritten notes are capable of engaging people on a deeper level than other forms of communication. Probably because the stroke of the pen is like an imprint made from the sender directly to the hand of the recipient.
Face-to-face
If text/emoji, email, phone call or hand-written note don’t just seem right, a face to face conversation is probably in order. But sometimes we’re afraid of our words coming out wrong. We can’t edit. We can’t erase, we can’t delete. If you find yourself in this paralyzing situation and truly don’t know what to say, stop for a moment, close your eyes and try to identify the feeling you are having – the real reason you feel appreciative. Put words around that feeling – then go for it! There is no “wrong” in saying “thank you,” especially when it is right from your heart.
Water Gap Wellness is a Substance Use and Mental Health treatment facility that treats the whole person – not just the diagnosis. If you or someone you know is battling with a substance use disorder or a mental health diagnosis, reach out and give us a call. Our friendly admissions counselors are here to help. We accept most insurance (except Medicaid and Medicare) and boast an on-site psychiatrist daily, two one-on-one sessions weekly, group sessions daily and outdoor therapy on 130+ acres of beautiful manicured property. Call or email us today! 1-833-949-4673 or info@watergapwellness.com.
