Goodbye 2010 . . . Hello 2011

At the start of every new year, we all make resolutions of some sort.  However, most of the time our enthusiasm for realizing those resolutions generally lasts about as long as it would take for you to finish reading this article.  So, this year, I resolve not to make any crazy resolutions.  This year I’m keeping things simple and resolving to do one (yes, just one) thing better than I did last year.

I am happy to share with you my personal New Year’s resolution: showing my appreciation for others.  It may not seem like such a difficult task - just say “thank you”, right?  Well, I agree, but I’d like to take it one step further this year.  Writing a thank you letter may seem antiquated or even unnecessary in today's fast-paced, digital world, where email, IM and texting offers us both convenience and instant gratification.  But this is exactly why embracing the lost art of letter writing will set you apart.  Receiving a snail-mail thank you note shows your friends, family, colleagues and acquaintances that you took the extra time, effort and thought to put pen to paper.  It shows them that you in no way take their kindness for granted.

At least once a month, I plan to write a thank-you letter to anyone that I feel has done something special, helpful, or meaningful for me and my family.  As a Event Sales Specialist at Drexelbrook Catering and Corporate Events Center, I am often times responsible for the most important and memorable days in my clients’ lives.  There is nothing that gives me greater pleasure or is more personally rewarding then when I receive a beautiful thank you card in the mail from those who’s lives I’ve touched.  It reminds me why I love doing what I do and makes me excited to continue creating once in a lifetime experiences for my clients.  But, why should it take some grand, momentous occasion for us to make the extra effort?  Admittedly, I have been guilty of this in the past; that is why it will be my mission in 2011 to make sure everyone knows how grateful I am to have them in my life.

In November my son Logan had his 3 year check up at his pediatrician’s office.  I have always been extremely pleased with our doctor, however during this visit, he exceeded my already high expectations.  I noticed something different about the way he was interacting with Logan and it dawned on me that Dr. H. was taking his cues from my son and realized that my baby boy had turned into a mini-man!  During the same visit, I casually mentioned that I had to make an appointment for my daughter, as I could sense that something was off.  Without consulting a schedule or checking the time, he examined her right on the spot... and caught the early stages of an ear infection.  Needless to say, I was so impressed and incredibly grateful.  That day, while the kids were napping, I got out my stationary and wrote a quick, but heartfelt thank you note.  The following week I received a voicemail from Dr. H. that said, “Never in my career have I received a more thoughtful, kind letter.  It was so unexpected and truly made my day, week, month and year.”  To me, the message was bitter sweet; in one way I was ecstatic to know that I could make someone feel so special, but it also made me sad to know that my simple gesture of showing my appreciation was so unique.  

So, I write this article today and I encourage . . . no I challenge each and every one of you to take the time to write just one thank you card to anyone you appreciate and feel grateful to have in your life.  I promise it will not only brighten their day, but you’ll feel wonderful inside knowing that a little thanks can go a long way.

I wish you all a fabulous 2011!

Until then,

Be creative & have fun,

By: Jessica McBrearty