“Thank You” Isn’t Just an Etiquette Thing

When I was little I was taught to always say, “thank you” when anyone did something, said something, or gave me something nice. I knew that was not only the right thing, but it was the polite thing to do. Never would I have thought as a wide-eyed, curious little girl that the phrase would serve a greater purpose than just a nice form of etiquette.

Fast forward to the present time, I will admit that I am a HUGE proponent of gratitude and gratitude exercises. I express gratitude daily and support my clients and students in using gratitude exercises to increase their energy and combat self doubt and fear. One afternoon, while waiting for my flight I stopped into the airport bookstore. While browsing the crowded shelves the title Thank You Power; Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You grabbed my attention. Without reading the insert or even the first few pages, I bought the book curious to read journalist Deborah Norville’s take on the near and dear subject.

Now anyone who has seen “The Secret” or read any books on the Law of Attraction (as Adam did, reviewing for us here) will most certainly have come across the concept of being thankful and how freely expressing gratitude helps to support positive manifestation. So why read yet another book on the power of gratitude and positive thought? In my humble opinion, you can’t be reminded enough and Deborah certainly captures the essence of the power of being thankful. While what she shares and how she shares it feels a little redundant, this 146 page quick read incorporates scientific study information with practical advice on how to improve your thought process, reduce stress, and increase your daily happiness all by using the power of “thank you”.

She reminds us that;

1) Being thankful for the things you already have helps you to positively manifest more of the good stuff.

2) Counting your blessings helps to shift your attitude and raise your energy level.

3) There is always good in every situation, even the bad situations. Look for the good, as there is an awesome learning experience to be had.

4) Being kind to others definitely has a boomerang effect.

5) Doing something nice for another helps to raise your self confidence and how you feel about you.

Think about the last time you did something nice for someone else. How did it feel? Or consider this, if we are in a positive frame of mind, aren’t the good things that surround us more obvious? When was the last time you practiced an attitude of gratitude and what happened?

In closing, I would like to leave you with a little challenge. Since it takes 21 days to form a habit, each day (for the next 21 days) before your feet hit the floor say “thank you” for at least five things in your life and each night before your head hits the pillow please do the same. Make note of what happens; you might be thoroughly surprised.

Here’s to the power of “thank you” and experiencing daily happiness and many positives.
~ Pam Thomas

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Pam Thomas is an ICF certified passion purveyor, change catalyst, and accountability agent (in other words a life and corporate coach). She is also the author of the e-workbook series Will the Real You Please Step Forward and two blogs; Make the Most of U and Walking My Own Walk .

Comments

[Steve Sherlock]

Thank you Pam. Positives will win the race!

[Joanna Young]

Steve beat me too it. I was going to say thanks too! Gratitude is such sweet emotion - a lovely way to live.

Thanks for pointing us to the book

Joanna

[David Zinger]

Pam
THANK YOU.
3 times in comments so far, 2 more and we have 5 before our feet hit the floor.
David

[Pam]

Steve and Joanna, you are most welcome. :) Thank you for sharing your comments. Being in an attitude certainly makes a huge difference.

[Pam]

LOL, David! I love it. :) THANK YOU!

[Pam]

oops...I meant to say, being in an attitude of gratitude makes a huge difference. That is what I get for trying to write coherently before finishing my first cup of coffee.

[Adam Kayce]

Thank you, Pam, for both the link to my review and for the reminder. We (my wife and I) have been conscious about making gratitude a part of our day for the past few months, and it has really made a difference in our life.

I like the 'before your feet hit the floor' piece, too; I know James Ray is a big fan of that one, too.

Thanks again (had to say it)!

[Rosa Say]

Pam, I can very much relate to what you start your review with; Mahalo, the Hawaiian value of gratitude, appreciation, and thankfulness, factors predominantly in the coaching I do. It is far, far better to focus on what we have versus where we lack, and it thankfulness gives people such a magical boost in self-confidence.

I’m going to look for Deborah’s book next time I’m haunting my favorite Barnes & Noble; this is a great recommendation for me – highly relevant. Thank you, and welcome to JJL and the Ho‘ohana Community!

[Pam]

I have to say, this is such an amazing and connected community -- thank you all for helping me to feel a part of it. :) Some wonderful insight and generousity to be had here for sure!!!

[Phil Gerbyshak]

Pam - thanks for being part of the JJL community. Please stick around and keep contributing! You are GREAT!

Thanks for being such a great friend to me. Your support encourages me.

Thanks for sharing as much as you do with me personally. I learn a great deal from you!

Thank you for asking such great questions on your blogs, for you remind me the hard questions make the best answers!

Most of all, thanks for being YOU, for you are truly an amazing gift from the Universe to each of us.

Gratefully and greatfully your friend!

[Robyn]

Hi Pam, I find thankfulness and gratitude changes the face of what I do. On somedays, I start by thinking of something in my life I'm thankful for. Puts a new face on the day. Certainly changes the face of things if you awaken sort of cranky! Thanks for your review.

[Karen Wallace]

Hi Pam and welcome to JJL! We're thrilled and thankful you decided to join us and share your thoughts on this book.

What I find amazing is the power of the 'saw this book in the bookshop and bought it on the spur of the moment' type of book find. Sometimes I feel that we attract certain books at just the right time - we just need to be open to them. Then it takes a quick, decisive action, not thinking about the cost, or second guessing, just buying it!

The book I started reading yesterday (a find like yours this week:) talks about turning judgement into gratitude - and so your post is quite serendipitous - I am surrounded by gratitude!

Thank you...

[dave]

Welcome to the JJL community Pam! What a powerful entrance! You've struck upon a value that is inherently part of our culture. It is part of what makes folks nice around here. Thank you.

[Pam]

~Phil: Bless your heart. Thank you, my friend..thank you for all that you do and for being so supportive. You are the bestest and I am blessed.

~Robyn: You are so right, gratitude does change the face of things and it can certainly lift a mood. It does not cost a thing to be grateful and the benefits are priceless.

~Karen: Wow, thank you!! It is great to be a part of a community of like-minded, kind people. I am grateful to Phil and Rosa for inviting me to play. Don't you just love when the Universe puts things in front of us at just the right time?

~Dave: Many thanks for the very kind welcome! You hit the nail on the head when you described this community -- no doubt. You can feel the kindness and gratitude so my hat is off to all of you for creating such a great place to share.