[lynn P.]

I saw a guest on Oprah a while back and he was promoting a book he had written. It all started when he pledged to write a thank you note once a day to someone. At first it was to significant others/family members and then he branched out to thanking people in his everyday life. He did this for a year.

I thought it would be nice to try this here. This is different than the other thread, 'What Are You Thankful For' because you're thanking people. It can be a huge/important thank you, like a loved one/best friend type of thing or it can be simple, like the nice person who serves you coffee with a smile. I'm sure we all can relate to not recognizing all the good people do for us.

You can also use this to look at perhaps a relationship you're struggling with, where you can still find something good you're able to appreciate in them. For example lets say you're having partner problems - can you take a moment to think about what they did that was good or a good quality they have?

I'll start. I would like to thank my oldest brother who's 13 yrs older than me. He has never taken the attitide of "I'm your big brother, therefore I'm superior" lol. I can honestly say he's never said a mean word to me. He was also was a great support to my family growing up, when my father died when he was 16. He used to take care of me when my mother was sad. He lives 3 provinces away but when ever he calls he never forgets to say he loves me. He and his wife always send my girls gifts of money for Xmas and their birthdays. I love my brother Marty...he's the best.

So who would you like to thank??

[Ygrec23]

Well, as I'm sure many others would choose, I very much have to thank my T. In fact, no one else is even close. I've had quite a number of bad T's in the past, but I've finally found someone who can really tune in on me and create a relationship that can and does make the therapy work. In all honesty, though it's a bit shameful (at least I feel it that way), I really, really don't have all that many other people to thank. Of course, I have many people to apologize to, but that's a bit different. And I guess the reason I don't have that many people to thank is that I've worked so hard (and so successfully) to stay hidden in my own little corner. I really haven't LET people help me or do thankful things for me or to me. For my whole life. But I very much (VERY much) do feel thankful for my present T and her brilliant and helpful work with me that is presently ongoing and will go on for quite a while, I think. Take care!

[missbelle]

I gues today it would have to be a group of friends here on the forum that wished me a happy birthday. That was awesome!!

[Detia]

I suppose it would be good to thank my mother. Despite the hardship we're having right now I am thankful for so much she has done for me and my sister. I see other parents really not realizing who their own kids are... And my mother takes the time and energy to figure out who we are and how to best make us prepared for life based off of that. She's not concerned with "You're my child you're supposed to do this." moreso "One day you will live out of my house, and this is something you should know how to do." Never has she talked to us like naive kids either, but rather as individuals. This is something I and my sister are extremely grateful for, because we don't feel inferior to her. Rather we respect her and we do things because we want to help her, not because we are in fear of being grounded (though that can happen too). So yeah... That was long. I hope that I and my mother work things out soon, because I really do thank you and am thankful for her.

[Sabrina]

What a lovely idea for a thread Lynn. It's going to be a challenge for me as I am isolated and don't see anyone at the moment, but I will give it my best.

Firstly, I would love to thank my Mom who has so unselfishly supported me and helped me during my husband's absence.

[lynn P.]

Thank you to everyone who's reponded so far. Ygrec - thanks for sharing and you're lucky to have a great therapist, especially since you struggle with connecting. Happy Birthday to you missbelle - it really does make birthdays special by having them recognized her at PC. Detia - I loved reading your tribute to your mom and I hope my girls will think of me this way. You said some very important things for us parents to consider - thank you for sharing. Sabrina - I hope your hubby will be back soon and so happy your mom is helping you.

[Gus1234U]

i would like to thank my Teacher, who's name i'm not allowed to post,, for showing me that there is a way to live that rises up and does not sink down...

[bebop]

without question I would have to thank my Dad for giving me complete unconditional love all my life. When no one else was there for me he has been. I am really going to miss him.

[purple_fins]

Gee Lynn-- what a VERY nice brother you have. I think you're so fortunate to have a family member like that. (wish I had someone like that)

I would like to thank YOU Lynn. for being a great support here, with your
compassion and understanding.

thank you

fins

[Sabrina]

purple fins, how amazing of you. And I second that.

[sundog]

I would like to thank you, Lynn, for starting such a positive thread! It's just what I need to re-focus today! I love the idea of writing a thank you note to someone every day! Today my thank you note goes to Lynn! For this thread, and for all that you do!!

[lynn P.]

Awwwww thank you (((fins))) and (((Sabrina))) - I wasn't expecting to be thanked ...I appreciate your kind words. Big hugs to ((Gus1234U)) - so happy you have a great teacher...I'm assuming it's a life teacher perhaps? ((bebop)) - so sorry you're dealing with your dad's illness. I was thinking this thread might bring some sadness even though its a thank you thread.

I would like to thank my next door neighbors - it's a give and take relationship - we help them and they help us. They make up for the other ones down the street.

[Sabrina]

I would like to thank my little Amy (my chihuahua) for being so totally non judgmental, and so completely accepting, no matter what my mood. She is ALWAYS there for me.

[Ares]

I need to thank the friends that have been there for me, especially when I haven't deserved their friendship and their help.

[bebop]

Originally Posted by lynn P.

Awwwww thank you (((fins))) and (((Sabrina))) - I wasn't expecting to be thanked ...I appreciate your kind words. Big hugs to ((Gus1234U)) - so happy you have a great teacher...I'm assuming it's a life teacher perhaps? ((bebop)) - so sorry you're dealing with your dad's illness. I was thinking this thread might bring some sadness even though its a thank you thread.

I would like to thank my next door neighbors - it's a give and take relationship - we help them and they help us. They make up for the other ones down the street.

Lynn I can't say it is really sad though. yes I will miss him terribly but I am so blessed to have him.

I want to thank my second grade teacher: Miss. Friedman--she gave me the ability to read..............makes one think, does it not?--

What would life be like if we couldn't read?

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by bebop

Lynn I can't say it is really sad though. yes I will miss him terribly but I am so blessed to have him.

I think you're at a similar stage I was at with my own mother before she passed. If she passed when she had the 1st stroke, it would have devastated me. She survived 7 yrs and was wheel chair bound...life wasn't easy for her. She was ill and ready to go - she was a great mother and we bonded even closer during her last week. As hard as it is, it's actually a gift to be there during a loved ones last days. I mourned the loss of my mother when she became disabled. By that time, I was prepared for it being her time.

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by theodora

I want to thank my second grade teacher: Miss. Friedman--she gave me the ability to read..............makes one think, does it not?--

What would life be like if we couldn't read?

How nice Theodora. I didn't have very many good teachers because it was a stricter time but I did have a great grade 4 teacher who was from Australia - she was on a temporary teaching job for one year. I was really shy and most teachers rarely noticed me, but she would let me help after school cleaning the boards which I loved and gave candy. When she left she wrote me letters and then put me in touch with a girl my age to have as a pen pal. So Miss Furness deserves a big thank you for making grade 4 special for me.

[Sabrina]

Today, I would like to thank my son for being the special young man that he is!

[Rohag]

Thank you, Lynn P.!

I thank my father and grandfather for passing on to me visions of Importance.
I thank my neighbor's dachshund for giving me a kiss the other day.

[whenwillitend]

I would like to thank all the guys who broke my heart a long time ago. They were all stepping stones to where I am today. Without this chain of events I would have never met my wonderful husband. It was painful at the time, but I wouldn't change a thing. One thing led to another, and now I have the best husband ever. It shows that you just never know what it's good for.

I would also like to thank my children, for giving me an awesome reason to live, to give meaning to my life.

And of course, my husband (I feel like I'm giving an Oscar acceptance speech), without his support and love I probably wouldn't be here right now.

[lynn P.]

Originally Posted by whenwillitend

I would like to thank all the guys who broke my heart a long time ago. They were all stepping stones to where I am today. Without this chain of events I would have never met my wonderful husband. It was painful at the time, but I wouldn't change a thing. One thing led to another, and now I have the best husband ever. It shows that you just never know what it's good for.

I would also like to thank my children, for giving me an awesome reason to live, to give meaning to my life.

And of course, my husband (I feel like I'm giving an Oscar acceptance speech), without his support and love I probably wouldn't be here right now.

LOL and now I pass on the Oscar to whenwillitend. That was a great list of thank you. I love the way you look at the negative experiences as a gift and 'stepping stones' as you put it.

[Captain Obvious]

This is a trick question right. The answer is obvious,

[thine_self_untrue]

My first boss. She was one awesome lady and she taught me a lot about working hard to get where you wanna be, living life, being content and being yourself.
My music teacher gave me my voice. I would not be able to sing or play the piano the way I do without her to imitate. Watching her battle cancer, she just kept on keeping on, making music and putting on a brave face. She is a simple soul, but a beautiful one.
Lastly I would have to say my boyfriend, the only person I honestly believe loves me for who I am, the whole package. I love him so much and he has changed me in a lot of ways I think were for the better.

[Seshat]

Thank you, Lynn, for this thread.

Thanks to my family. Even if most times they can't help much and they don't know/understand how I feel, they are still there for me in a way.