WRITE_ON CHALLENGE WEEK 4: GRATITUDE

Life is full of opportunities to connect with each other. In celebration, love, loss, with gratitude, in sickness or remorse; there are always reasons to reach out. Each week of April’s Write_On Challenge, we’ll explore a different theme to inspire your letter writing, and share tips and tricks to help, no matter the occasion.

We get how easy it is to get bogged down with the daily to-dos, but we’re here to remind you that taking the  time to say thanks (for the big things and the little things) has the power to spread so much joy. Expressing gratitude is one of the best ways to remind people that we value them and to let them know how greatly their actions impact us. Gratitude isn’t just for material gifts; small favors, selfless tasks, and gestures of goodwill are ripe for acknowledgement too. Taking time to consider what’s good in your life and spreading gratitude can have an incredible ripple effect on your happiness and that of others.

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TIPS

  • Make your letters of gratitude specific. Skip the generic expressions of gratitude which could be written by anyone and said about anything.

  • Try to quantify the benefits of a physical gift to your life. Perhaps that new coffee maker saves you 15 minutes every morning that you can now use to read the newspaper.

  • Be genuine. Use caution with flowery language and hyperbole which can be perceived as exaggerated or insincere.

  • Appreciate the thought that went into the gift. Acknowledge the insight of the gifter - whether the gift speaks to your character, taste, specific needs or wants.

  • Timeliness can strengthen your message. If you write promptly after a gift is received, the giver will likely feel a double dose of appreciation - your expedience gives more power to the sentiment.

  • Conversely, it can be nice to send a thank you whenever you happen to be thinking of the gift or gesture, even if it was in the distant past - this says that their actions have had a lasting impact.

  • Honor thoughtfulness when you feel it! Favors and gestures big and small deserve to be recognized, as do quality time and festive occasions. Any time is a good time to let your people know when something brings joy and meaning to your life.

PROMPTS

  • Write a second thank you for a gift you’ve received.

  • Write to someone with a skill you admire, and ask them to teach it to you!

  • Thank a friend for seeing you as you are.

  • Send a note of appreciation to a person or business that’s doing good for your community.

  • Write to a neighbor complimenting them! Maybe it’s their impressive vegetable garden or simply the fact that they always smile and wave when they see you outside.

  • Write a note to thank someone for small things that can easily go unacknowledged like taking the trash out, emptying the dishwasher, starting the coffee pot in the morning.

  • Thank someone for listening or for good advice.

  • Use letter writing as a vehicle for an act of kindness and goodwill. Maybe it's a short and simple thank you left behind at the movie theater to share appreciation for the staff working to tidy up between showings. Pay kindness forward as a way to surprise and delight someone.

  • Choose a friend, family member or loved one. Send a note with 3 things you appreciate about them letting them know that you give thanks for them.

WEEKLY SPECIAL & GIVEAWAY

This week, all thanks, blanks, and love & friendship cards are 25% off on our site with code GRATITUDE. We’ve also got another giveaway lined up packed with thank you cards and letter writing supplies from #Write_On, @eggpress and @sakuraofamerica, so be sure to check Instagram on Wednesday for your chance to win.