We’re in the official slide into the season. For many, it’s downhill. There are all the usual issues: we over-indulge, we over-spend, and we don’t get enough sleep or exercise.
As we head towards the new year, there’s the extra anxieties about our career and financial goals and whether we’re on track. Not a happy recipe!
This time around the usual end of year stressors are compounded: many of us have family members with opposing political convictions. So the holidays are promising to be—as a mentor elegantly described—”a real sh#t show.”
To help us all de-stress, I’ve got a tip guaranteed to get you feeling better PLUS it will most likely, make a special someone else’s day as well.
Thursday is our official day of thanks. I’m always surprised we have just the one day for this, because we need a lot more. Thank you’s, that is. We never get enough and we never give enough.
Let’s be honest: when’s the last time you received (or sent!) an actual thank you card or letter? I’m talking envelope and stamp. Something tangible sent by an actual person through the mail—one that wasn’t in response to a gift.
Not very recently, right?
This is the week to send at least one. I’d suggest you choose the person who you think really doesn’t know how much they’ve influenced you—and how grateful you are.
This might be a former teacher, co-worker, or long-lost friend. Thanksgiving is a perfect “excuse” to look these people up. Mail them a handwritten thank you detailing what it is that you so appreciate about them.
It might be they helped you through a dark time. Or were a terrific role model for you. Or that their advice changed your thinking and behavior and made all the difference.
Doing this simple act—writing a letter—will help you reflect on all that you have to be grateful for. In terms of feelings and states of mind, gratitude is where it’s at.
What’s more, the person on the receiving end will love getting your letter!
This week: send your overdue thank you and lower your holiday stress with gratitude. (I’m mailing mine today!)
I also want to express my gratefulness to you, dear readers: THANK YOU.
Thank you for inspiring me, and for sending the comments and feedback that keep me questioning assumptions and exploring new solutions to career dilemmas. You can always reach me at Angela@BeyondTalentConsulting.com
Happy Thanksgiving!
all the best,
