Definitely Not the Ordinary!

I was listening to the radio today--CBC, of course--and heard an intriguing discussion about gratitude. The host interviewed a writer who undertook a month-long experiment in which he would write a thank-you note to everyone who did something kind for him. At first, he thanked for everything: holding the door open or providing directions or passing a package of Sweet-n-Low in a restaurant. As the month wore on, he began to be a bit more discriminating, and each morning, would look back on the previous day and choose three people to send thank-you cards to.

His conclusion at the end of the month was that gratitude requires humility.

Trying to catch up to religion and philosophy, scientists are now studying gratitude. From the results of his experiments, Dr. Richard Emmons, of the University of California at Davis, explained how gratitude has positive psychological, physical, and social effects.

The host of the radio show then read a thank-you letter that she had written to a friend. The letter mentioned many specific things about the friend and their relationship that the writer was thankful for, but that she felt she had never adequately expressed to her friend.

You can catch the whole Jan. 3, 2009 show at the following site:

www.cbc.ca/dnto

So here's the challenge: to whom would you like to write a thank-you letter, expressing gratitude that perhaps you've never articulated before? Your parents? Your children? A teacher? A friend? A colleague or business associate? An author whose book has influenced you?

Write the letters. Choose the paper and pen. Use your best handwriting (okay, type it, if you must!) Even if these people are from your past, people you've lost touch with, try to find them. Google their names. Use Canada411.ca or another similar online phone directory. Don't give up! Address the envelopes! Buy some stamps and mail the letters. Who wouldn't love to receive a letter like that! It will be a wonderful surprise for the recipients!

You yourself may feel the world is a bit brighter place for having done it.