Some who are reading this reflection may recall that last year members of the Residence Life staff initiated \u201cTie Dye Tuesdays\u201d where students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to wear tie dye clothes once a week.\u00a0 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.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
As I was thinking about this new academic year, I wondered if Spiritual Life might create a new tradition but with a different focus.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
Over the years I have made it a practice to hold onto many of the kind thank you notes I have received.\u00a0 I keep them in a particular place in my desk drawer.\u00a0 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\u2019t always receive positive feedback for my efforts.\u00a0 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.<\/p>\n
I think most people I know have a similar response to receiving thank you notes.\u00a0 While we don\u2019t 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.\u00a0 It\u2019s the gift that keeps on giving.\u00a0 When I am thanked for something I\u2019ve said or done, I\u2019m more likely to pay it forward and acknowledge the kindnesses of others as well.<\/p>\n
If thankfulness is an attitude of gratitude you\u2019d 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.\u00a0 We will provide notes, pens, envelopes and all you will need.\u00a0 We\u2019ll even mail your messages for you.\u00a0 The cost to you is nothing, but it will be priceless to the one who receives your words of gratitude and appreciation.<\/p>\n
Peace, Anne<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Some who are reading this reflection may recall that last year members of the Residence Life staff initiated \u201cTie Dye Tuesdays\u201d where students, faculty, and staff were encouraged to wear tie dye clothes once a week.\u00a0 In part the tradition …<\/p>\n