“Thankful Thursday” Cultivating an Attitude of Gratitude

Some who are reading this reflection may recall that last year members of the Residence Life staff initiated “Tie Dye Tuesdays” where students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to wear tie dye clothes once a week.  In part the tradition was an attempt to promote school spirit and unity with the first year students, but it was also simply a fun practice.  Two students in particular, Dan Colascione and Lucas Bianco, were especially enthusiastic promoters and could often be found on Tuesdays in front of the dining hall singing original spirited songs and waving giant tie dyed flags.

As I was thinking about this new academic year, I wondered if Spiritual Life might create a new tradition but with a different focus.  The idea of Thankful Thursdays was borne out of awareness that gratitude is a powerful practice that benefits both the one who is thankful as well as the one who is being thanked.

Over the years I have made it a practice to hold onto many of the kind thank you notes I have received.  I keep them in a particular place in my desk drawer.  While I rarely actually re-read the notes, these messages serve as a visible reminder that my work has meant something to another person and it helps me to stay motivated and energized, even if I don’t always receive positive feedback for my efforts.  I know that someone, somewhere, at some time, took the time and made the effort to acknowledge my contributions, and their appreciation means a great deal.

I think most people I know have a similar response to receiving thank you notes.  While we don’t put forth our best effort for the express purpose of being thanked, we do appreciate it when others notice and take the time to acknowledge what we have done.  It’s the gift that keeps on giving.  When I am thanked for something I’ve said or done, I’m more likely to pay it forward and acknowledge the kindnesses of others as well.

If thankfulness is an attitude of gratitude you’d like to cultivate a bit more in your own life, please look for the Thankful Thursday table to appear on a sidewalk or lobby in the coming weeks.  We will provide notes, pens, envelopes and all you will need.  We’ll even mail your messages for you.  The cost to you is nothing, but it will be priceless to the one who receives your words of gratitude and appreciation.

Peace, Anne