Image: Getty; The ever-graceful Audrey Hepburn with a bouquet of roses in 1965

“Little Ms. Grace, did you say ‘thank you’ to Aunt Pamela who sent over the polka-dot dress all the way from London for your birthday? Darling, let’s get out the letter set and write to her. That would really make her day!”
That was my memory growing up. Writing deep thoughts in diaries, letters to friends I miss halfway across the world, collecting inspirational quotes and meaningful lyrics, and taking the time to share my adoration and thankfulness to those individuals that have made a difference in my life. There was a lot of writing, then.
Writing has been the most powerful and influential skill our society has acquired, with first findings dating back to the ancient Egyptian and Sumerian civilisations, and also, the Chinese. The Europeans soon followed, and used it as a form of social expression, incorporating handwritten letters and cards as part of their culture.
Affirmations that extend from our minds and our hearts can be mood-altering and life-changing for the people with whom we find ourselves crossing paths, and it all leads to the ultimate emotion of expressing all our appreciation—gratitude, and two humble words, “thank you”. Writing thank you notes can be about anything and everything. That is the beauty of it. It’s what you want to share with someone, or even yourself. If only we could all see, behind those closed doors, the reactions of the people we send our cards to—the melting hearts, the tears, the laughter, cheesy smiles, or even a little dance? Opening a handwritten card is like being kissed on the forehead, to be reassured: everything will be okay.
Words of gratitude from well-known women of our past and present, remind us how lasting it can be for the future—captivating, memorable, encouraging, and truly inspirational to all.
Gratitude is psychology magic. It is being thankful, showing appreciation, and to return kindness. It does wonders not only for others, but also for our own spirit. Grab the ballpoint and blank monogrammed cards out and write away. The positivity it creates can cure the deepest blues and encourage happiness that will only elevate us to higher places. All lifestyle, business coaching, and psychology writings will unfailingly impart the importance of expressing our thankfulness for a healthy mental future. Having good manners is one thing, communicating it through writing is taking it to the next level of building positive relationships. Time to get that #GirlBoss outlook going!
Our world may have evolved from paper journaling to online broadcasting, but why don’t you put back the sparkle and significance in receiving a handwritten card? Gratitude exercises have always included writing thank you cards as one of their top activities, and stationery never left us, while writing cards are totally back in fashion. Strap on those high heels for a walk out to the café, settle comfortably into a seat, get nostalgic with the clouds, and write away with a cup of coffee or a delicious glass of red to keep you in good company.
These words of thanks that you write today can make a difference to you and somebody else’s life in a positive way tomorrow. So, where have you been keeping the gratitude notes you’ve received? In between pages of your diary, hiding in drawers, or in a shoe box?
Today, I would like to say “thank you” to the barista who added a complimentary splash of hazelnut syrup into my long macchiato to add a little sweetness to my day. I will catch your name next time.