Two life-changing words for 2021
Dec 22, 2020 09:22AM ● By Melanie Wiseman
My 95-year-old father recently shared something very touching with me, and a great reminder for all humankind. When tearfully remembering his 70-year marriage to my mom, who passed away in June, he said, “I just hope I told her ‘thank you’ enough.”
After assuring him that she always felt his appreciation, I started to reflect on my own life.
Who do I take for granted that a sincere “thank you” could be life-changing?
Saying “thank you” doesn’t cost anything or require any special equipment or training. It takes little effort or time, yet it goes a long way as a sign of respect. It builds self-esteem, value and appreciation, and connects relationships.
These two simple words have the power to change our entire outlook on life. It puts gratitude where it belongs—at the forefront of our daily interactions.
Scientific research and long-term studies have shown that grateful people—those who maintain a positive outlook on life through thankfulness—are healthier and happier. A recent study also indicated that gratitude may reduce the impact that aging has on the brain.
Some people make it a daily habit to journal the specifics of what they are thankful for, leading to even greater health benefits. Practice is the best way to unlock the many benefits of gratitude:
• Saying “thank you” makes us feel more optimistic.
“It’s impossible to be negative while we are giving thanks.” - Donald Curtis
• Saying thank you is good for the spirit.
“Saying ‘thank you’ is more than good manners. It’s good spirituality.” - Alfred Painter
• Saying “thank you” is good for the heart.
“Gratitude is the memory of the heart.” - Jean Baptiste Massieu
• Saying “thank you” makes us fully appreciate our blessings.
“Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” - Oprah Winfrey
• Saying “thank you” can be a kind of prayer.
“If the only prayer you ever say in your entire life is thank you, it will be enough.” - Meister Eckhart
• Saying “thank you” connects us to the goodness within others.
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” - Voltaire
Two of the very first words we learned as a child were “thank you.” As Boomers, we can all use a reminder that this phrase has never lost its strength or meaning. Use it as a guide to your conversations and as a foundation for relationships. Watch them grow.
Let’s commit to thankful hearts in 2021. The benefits of gratitude are real. Saying “thank you” matters.
