The simple act of saying thanks

We’ve been running a series on this page called Simple Acts of Kindness as a way to encourage people in our increasingly divided society to treat each other with respect and goodwill, and I believe one of the best things we can all do on a daily basis is to simply say thank you — and say it often.

The words shouldn’t be reserved for a special occasion. They should be spoken often. If someone holds the door for you at the store, just say thank you. When the mail carrier pops into the office to drop off the day’s mail, say it again. And when a fellow employee performs a task that assists you in your daily work, say it once more.

Not only does it make the person spoken to feel good, it makes the person saying the words feel good. It builds in us an appreciation of the little things in life that lift us up and carry us through some difficult days. Instead of always seeing the dark cloud, we notice the silver lining.

I’m not one who does particularly well with “thank yous” sent my way. It’s a kind of self-deprecating view of myself I learned from my mother. But on Friday, when that kind man approached me and shook my hand, it hit home. It made me feel good. It lifted my spirits.

We can all do the same as a kind, well intentioned gesture of gratitude. If we all work earnestly to build each other up rather than tear each other down, perhaps we can change the way we all see each other.

Let us give thanks and say thanks — and do it often. It’s an easy — and powerful — “simple act of kindness.”

David Peck

Lovell Chronicle

April 11