“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 .