Blog Post 5- The Act of Giving Thanks

I listened to the This I Believe audio essay, “The Act of Giving Thanks”. I selected this particular work for its title and brief description. I also believe in the importance of appreciation and in acknowledging the efforts of others. In the description, the words gift, friendship, and thank-you-note writer stood out to me. As someone who still mails or delivers thank you cards to friends and family, I thought the story would resonate. The essay covers Michelle Lee, a former middle school teacher, and a writer and editor. Lee explains how her family was taught at an early age to write thank you letters for birthday and Christmas gifts and how that gratitude process continued into adulthood. The podcast narrator explains that for Lee it is more than a social grace, it has as she says, “made me more appreciative of the tremendous love, support, and kindness I receive daily” (Lee 2014). She explains that while others find this a chore, she looks forward to writing and will do it weekly. This inspired me to once again start writing thank you letters not only when I receive something, but also in appreciation for the people in my life. While a text is convenient, it lacks the effort and sincerity a hand-written note contains. In connecting her notes to a larger message Lee commented, 

 I was a middle school English teacher, and as I told my students, good manners are the cornerstone of a quality community. I believe that expressions of gratitude like thank-you letters keep me going. I am more motivated to do kind things for others when I feel appreciated, and I feel that I perpetuate kindness and generosity by genuinely expressing my thanks (2014).

 I thought her reminder that manners and gratitude are key within a quality community was powerful. When people feel appreciated and respected, they create a more positive environment. Little actions such as saying thank you or paying it forward shouldn’t be overlooked. I thought the medium of a podcast fit this message because it became a metaphor for hand-written cards–personal and heartfelt. In hearing Lee’s voice, the storytelling is more powerful and grounded in experience. I also appreciated Lee’s inclusion of her personality through tone and phrases describing herself as charmingly eccentric and easily amused by stationary. I felt I could connect to her in ideas and in the experience of letter writing–using it as a mindfulness practice or a means to reflect and connect to others. The text didn’t need a visual element because it felt largely reflective and feeling-based. Overall, I agreed with her message, the medium it was delivered in, and could relate to her experiences making the podcast an interesting listen.