Here in the U.S., we tend to commercialize our holidays to the point where they lose their true meaning. Just take a look at all the hysteria that takes place during the week leading up to Black Friday—it’s unreal. To me however, Thanksgiving is not only a time to enjoy the company of friends and family, but also a time to give thanks and express gratitude toward others who’ve had a positive impact on my life and career.
For instance, the day before Thanksgiving in 2005, shortly after I moved to Atlanta, I sent an email to thank everyone who had a hand in welcoming and showing me around the city. In addition, I also sent a short email to my new manager to thank him for the opportunity to be a part of his team. It obviously didn’t take much effort on my part, but you can bet that they appreciated the gesture.
This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to tell at least one person, whether it be a distant family member, coworker, or even your disgruntled boss, that you appreciate them. I completely understand that it’s not always easy to muster the courage and humility it takes to be open and sincere to someone, but Thanksgiving isn’t about you; it’s about thanking others for the love, friendship, and encouragement that they’ve been willing to give to you.
A few ways you can say “thanks” this Thanksgiving
- Tell your family in person. After you’ve chowed down on Grandma’s famous sweet potato pie, walk up to a family member, put your arm around them, and sincerely let them know how much they mean to you. In these hectic times that we live in, people rarely get the opportunity to feel appreciated so make someone’s day by letting them know that you care.
- Call a couple of your good friends. When’s the last time you actually picked up the phone to call a good friend? If it’s been a while, consider calling a few to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving. After a few minutes of conversation, you’ll have caught up on old times and will have reconnected with someone you can turn to when the going gets tough. This is “social capital building” at its finest.
- Email your colleagues and supervisors. While it’s not necessary to pour your heart out, be courteous to your supervisor(s) and close colleagues by sending them a quick email to wish them a Happy Thanksgiving. Again, it’s a small gesture, but it’s one that will be remembered.
- Write a handwritten note to someone. Remember when you were a child and you received your first letter in the mail that was actually addressed to you? Help to rekindle that feeling for someone special by sending them a handwritten note and letting them know that you were thinking about them.
Now, after you’ve made your rounds and have given your thanks, sneak back into the kitchen for another slice of Grandma’s famous sweet potato pie. Go on now, you deserve it!
Happy Thanksgiving everyone!
Image courtesy of: JW Ogden
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