“We must find time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives.”
– John F. Kennedy

Point to Ponder:

When was the last time you took the time to write and send someone a hand-written gratitude note?

by Neissa Brown Springmann

I feel certain you’ll agree that receiving a hand-written note in the mail never gets old. There’s no doubt that computers and cell phones make it very convenient to communicate a nice gesture, but there’s just something extra endearing when we send or receive a hand-written note. Call me old fashion, but I think this is an extremely important action. Unfortunately, writing a note, addressing it, putting a stamp on it and walking it to the mailbox is no longer the way we do things, which is why taking the time to write a note is so very special. And, because during the month of November we are focusing on gratitude, this week we thought it would be appropriate to write gratitude notes.

If you attend any of our classes this week, we will provide you with gratitude notes so you hand-write that special someone a note. We will collect your sealed gratitude note and see to it that it has postage and is dropped in the mail so your special someone will receive your note by Thanksgiving.

To me, expressing gratitude on a daily basis is one of the keys to living a meaningful, connected and joyful life. However, our busy lives, daily challenges and stressors often cause our gratitude to get derailed and we forget to say “thank you,” so maybe remembering that science has proven that expressing gratitude has endless health benefits including increased energy, higher emotional intelligence, more forgiving attitudes, less depression, less anxiousness, more feelings of connectedness, better sleep and fewer headaches will help us stay focused on gratitude. Therefore, whether or not you are able to attend class this week, we encourage you to take the time to hand-write and send at least one gratitude note.

In the event you need help getting your gratitude flowing, below are our Leaders’ notes to the people in their life they’re grateful for, and know that we are grateful for you and so very grateful to have the opportunity to share life with you.
Dear Friends,
I am so grateful for the love and support you have shown me while dealing with the loss of my Mom. Your caring notes, hugs and listening ears have helped and continue to support and uplift me. I feel so blessed to be surrounded by strong and caring women who fill my heart with love and remind me how to fly again when my wings feel broken. I am so grateful for my girlfriends!
love, Amy

Dear Mom,
I don’t think I have ever told you how thankful I am for you. Thank you for teaching me to be independent and for allowing me to learn from my many mistakes. Thank you for not saying, “I told you so,” even though I know that statement had to be at the tip of your tongue on more than one occasion. Thank you for your sense of humor and for the many phone calls when we laugh so hard that we have to hang up, gain our composure and call each other back. But most of all thank you for your unconditional love for me and my children.
I love you!
Betty

Dear Taylor and Jack,
There are two beautiful tunes inside of me, and each began playing on the days that you were born. I couldn’t hear your music until I held you each for the first time, just a few days after you began your lives, but once I heard your notes and lyrics, they were lovingly familiar. These tunes changed as you grew…sometimes they were soft and soothing, bright and fun; and sometimes I heard songs that I did not want to sing along with. Thankfully, the music plays on, no matter what…stirred by your very presence, and I now know a beauty that is true and deep. Thank you for that, thank you for being my boys.
– Mom (Cary)
Dear Mom,
I am so grateful for you! I am grateful to you for all you did for Missy and me in setting an incredible example of how to be not only an incredible mother, but also a great friend and a hard-working, independent woman. Through your example, you taught us the importance of never taking ourselves too seriously, to laugh at ourselves and at hard situations, to always enjoy a good ol’ hamburger and potato salad, to maintain close friendships, and to not obsess over food, beauty or physique. I still can’t believe you never got angry when I was little and would call you at work asking what you were cooking that night! Now that’s incredible…I can only hope to be half the mother you are. I am so so grateful for all you’ve done and continue to do, so selflessly, for me. You’re my hero Mom!
Love you, Catherine
Babe,
I am so grateful for YOU! You bring joy into my life everyday. I love receiving a beautiful bible verse from you each morning when I check my texts. It makes my day! You support me in all that I do. Your unconditional love for all those around you is a perfect example of Christ in you. I learn so much from you even thought you are only 19. You make me want to be a better version of myself. Your integrity, values and beliefs are those of a person way beyond your years. I love that you love being on the lake with me! I will surf tandem with you any day! I am so thankful for you Babe!!
With much love,
Aunt Boo (Kathleen)

Dear Family,
I am so grateful to my parents who have held up carpool duty, so I can stay out of the car. My kids for setting the table, carrying their own bags and picking up the house because it is hard for me. I am grateful to my hubby for still making me feel good about me, when I don’t feel like myself. I am a lucky woman even when I am struggling and healing!
–Meg

Dear Dad,
I can’t begin to express how grateful I am for you and mom and all that you’ve done for me for 26 years and for Clayton for 4 years. I know I talk to mom more on the phone (but that’s because we women like to gab and you are a quiet man of few wonderful words), but I am a total daddy’s girl. Thank you for supporting my dreams, for always encouraging me to work hard in a field I love, for loving me unconditionally, and for teaching me that “you catch more flies with honey than vinegar”. You are the best dad, and father-in-law around, and I am so thankful you are mine! Clayton also loves learning from you, and he’s going to have a wonderful example when we have children one day. I love you so much!
Molly
Dear Russell,
I do not tell or show you nearly enough, but I am so grateful that you are my husband. I am grateful for your relentless hard work to provide a great life for our family, as well as for your constant support of my goals and dreams. Thank you for believing in me and being my rock. You are an amazing man, selfless and giving husband and father and a remarkable human being. I am so proud of you and blessed to be married to you. You make me better and I am so grateful for you and the life we have together.
I love you so very much,
Neissa

Action Item:

This week, take the time to hand-write and send at least one person a gratitude note.