Thanking Community Members

Tonight’s Gratitude Group meeting was about being grateful for people in our community.  Let’s chat a bit about that here.

There are a lot of people in our community that help make it a better place.  Often, these people work hard without us noticing, behind the scenes, or in scary jobs, or in jobs we don’t even know exist.  Even so, our community functions because of their contributions.

Take this example: my power went out today.  “Oh no!” I thought.  What should I do?  Who should I call?  Just then, I got a text from PG&E saying they knew about the power outage and were sending a team to investigate.  They expected the power to be on in two hours.  WOW!  That was awesome service.  I don’t think about PG&E on a regular basis (aside from paying the bill) even though my lights and water are working every day I wake up.  I bet NO ONE at our local PG&E office has ever received a thank you card from someone in the community.  Often, the only time businesses hear from us is when there’s a problem and we want to complain or be angry with them.  That’s a tough day, going to a job where all you hear your customer complaints.  Wouldn’t it be great if they heard a “THANK YOU!” once in awhile?

Consider all the service providers in the community that help our days go smoothly without us even thinking about it.  There’s police officers, firefighters, grocery clerks, bankers, bus drivers, business people, realtors, hair stylists, restaurant servers, pool guys, garbage guys, the mayor, farmers and ranchers, teachers…And many more!  You’re probably thinking of someone right now, aren’t you?

OK – here’s your mission.  Pick someone from the community you want to thank.  Make or get a card and write a note to them that expresses your gratitude.  Make or take some cookies, treats or flowers to them when you give them your card.  I chose our garbage guy, Eddie!  I’m going to leave the note for him with some cookies when he comes by for our garbage this week.  I’d love to hear from you about who you decided to shower with gratitude!

Everyone feels good when they receive recognition for their work and for being a part of the community.  Be the reason someone smiles today.