The Character of a Hand Written Thank You

A thank you note is an expression of gratitude.  A way to show someone how much they and their actions mean to you.  

In the day of digital communication, it seems the art of pen and paper is becoming just a memory.  

There is certainly a place for digital communication.  Waiting in the car pool line, for the click list grocery order to be loaded in the car, or going through the car wash are all great times to pick up the phone and shoot off a quick text or e-mail of thanks.  But, taking five or ten minutes at home, with personalized stationery and favorite pen, takes the note to a whole new level.  

Being intentional to set aside a time to really thank someone for the time they took out of their day to do something for me.  

The hand written note sends a different message than a digital note.  When someone takes the time to do something intentional, the least I can do is be intentional about my thank you. 

Everything about a hand written thank you shows intentional thought, effort and time.  From choosing, designing or creating the stationery that resonates your personality, to the thought-out words, the handwriting unique only to you, to buying the stamp and dropping the note in the mailbox.  All things that take time, attention, detail and thought. 

The piece of mail that stands out from the rest...the item you open first...or savor for last.  

It's a means to connect with someone in a way you can't on a digital screen.  All e-mails look the same, but each hand written note is unique.

A hand written thank you note fulfills an obligation to give thanks for what you have been given, but it can also turn a flippant thank you into genuine appreciation.  You can say "thank you" to someone and be done, but a hand written note requires more words.  These words are formed in your mind and heart before they are written on the page.  It gives you the opportunity to truly reflect on what you are grateful for and what it means to you.  

The digital age has made it very easy for each of us to create our own personalized stationery from home for very little cost.  My favorite thank you notes are those of a watercolor painting a friend gave me of Isaac when he was 18 months old.  It is a work of art, but a precious memory of my adorable little cowboy.  I savor these cards and only have a few left.  I should dig through my archives and see if I can find the digital copy of that print so I can make more note cards.  

Most people don't expect a hand written thank you note, but that is exactly why you should send one.  It makes that simple act of kindness shown to you become an important moment.  One of those moments they may not remember a year down the road, but they will probably always remember how you appreciated it...appreciated enough to take the time to send a hand written note.

Each thank you note sets you apart from the crowd.  Whether it is because your stationery stands out from the rest or because you are just the only one who took the time to write a hand written thank you, but either way, you will be remembered above the others.  

There are many things we do in life just because we want to or it is the right thing to do.  We don't do it to receive attention.  However, a small note of gratitude lets the person know their small act of kindness did not go unnoticed.  Sometimes it is the drive that keeps them doing these unnoticed acts.  No matter how much someone may want to stay in the shadows,  a part of them still wants to know that others see and appreciate.  

The next time someone makes your day...make their day by sending a hand written note letting them know how much it means to you.  

You might be surprised to find out how much that simple thank you means to them.  

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