Reminder to Say “Thanks”

We will give thanks in November on Thanksgiving Day. Let’s try to express thanks every day! This article gives you some tips.

The Thanks Habit
Have you noticed how some people tend to greet you with a gripe they want to share, while others tend to point out something uplifting that brings a smile to your face? Each person develops a habit of mind that contributes to their conversational style.
You can cultivate a conversational style that includes thankfulness.

Tip: Think of one thing you sincerely appreciate about a person, and when the time feels right be ready to thank them. As example, tell a home gardener how much you enjoy their well-tended yard. Your thanks will contribute to their continued enthusiasm about gardening.

When people never receive positive comments they might think, “Why bother?” Positive reinforcement works wonders!
Jacksonville Merchants

We are fortunate to have merchants who make a point to express thanks to customers. When I visit Carefree Buffalo, Joe always welcomes me and thanks me for stopping by. He is not taking me for granted, and I feel good buying his wonderful products.
Tip 1: Express thanks to our merchants by buying local. That will preserve the vibrancy of our community.
Tip 2: Give a shout-out to store owners for civic-minded things they do, like maintaining sidewalk flower boxes.

Volunteers
Our town is fortunate to have many volunteer groups! Volunteers may not express it, but it’s human to feel under-appreciated at times. It’s also human to appreciate people without letting them know. Our volunteers will not know how much you value them unless you tell them.

Tip 1: Make the effort to check the Jacksonville Review and jacksonvillereview.com for upcoming events organized by local volunteer groups. Then mark your calendar, and make the time to show up.

Tip 2: A simple, “Thanks for volunteering!” goes a long way. Try that at the cemetery History Saturday events November 12th and December 10th at 10:00 AM. The Friends of Jacksonville Cemetery make top-notch presentations. You will not be disappointed!
It is great payback for volunteers when you show up. It’s icing on the cake when you give them compliments.

Tourists
One way to nurture tourism in Jacksonville is to express thanks to our visitors.

Tip: During the upcoming Victorian Christmas celebration you can demonstrate you are thankful to those visiting our town. Make an effort with eye contact, a smile, a wave, or friendly comments to express your appreciation.

The Workplace
Workers get their reward via a paycheck and having a job in this economy. They also look for appreciation and respect, and sometimes that’s tough when the spotlight turns to projects that are not going well.

Tip: When criticism is needed, start with a positive thought, then couch the negative message. Explain how you are thankful for their good work and be sincere and specific. Then let them know where improvement is needed, and that you want that improvement for their success.

We can all use this approach when addressing complaints about city issues, especially by acting with civility in a public forum.
Greeting Cards

I’ve been so pleased to receive thank you cards mailed by my Jacksonville dinner guests. I had assumed this method of thanking hosts had gone by the wayside.

Tip 1: Buy a few thank you notes downtown so you’ll have them ready to send as soon as you return from an event at someone’s home.

Tip 2: Send a greeting card to special friends for their birthdays, or for no special occasion. The cards let them know you are thankful they are in your life.

Pay it Forward
Years ago I was in a checkout line and embarrassingly found myself one dollar shy of the total I owed. Another customer gave me the dollar. I was shocked a stranger would do that, and so pleased!

Recently I saw a girl holding a ten dollar bill staring dejectedly at the $10.99 price tag on a bunch of flowers. I envisioned the flowers were for a special gift. I simply handed her the dollar and she thanked me with great sincerity. I suspect she remembers that moment as fondly as I do.

Tip: Think of a kindness someone did for you and be ready to repeat a similar favor to a new person.

Words
Accepting thanks graciously is an art. When you are thanked, I recommend you say, “You’re welcome”, which conveys a more heart-felt connection than the casual and somewhat dismissive, “No problem.”

Thank you for reading my column!

I would love to hear your suggestions and creative ideas. Please email your story to me at facilitations@charter.net.