When was the last time you wrote a Thank You note? And I don’t mean sending someone a message on Messenger. I mean an actual, hand-written card or note, put in an envelope with an address and stamp and sent on its merry way. I’m feeling pretty good about my answer, which may be why I’m asking at this point in time. I recently sent out over 20 hand written thank you notes (feather in my cap!), written on thank you cards I made (another feather!). And previously, in June, I sent out another batch of over 20 (another feather; I’m looking like a bird!).

Now, don’t feel bad if it’s been awhile since you sent a hand-written thank you. You may think that you really haven’t had an occasion to do so; no birthday party, no graduation, no wedding. But, I bet if you think about it, you can think of something to thank someone for.

What about that guy who took all that extra junk you had next to your garbage can after you cleaned out the garage? What about the agent at your insurance company who made it so easy to switch your car insurance when you moved from a different state – and bought a new car? Or what about the pharmacy technician who helped your daughter pay for an expensive prescription that her insurance didn’t cover by finding a coupon for her to use? Or, that butcher who cut two steaks for you because you didn’t like what was in the case? And on and on. . .

These are all situations where it would only take a few minutes of your time to hand write a thank you note to someone, stick it in the mail, and get a warm fuzzy feeling for appreciating another human being.

For you people out there that are saying, “Well, they’re just doing their jobs. That’s what they are supposed to do,” you are missing the point. And, sorry; I’m not going to explain it. You might as well never read my blog again.

Here is a formula, if you will, for writing thank you notes (thank you Hallmark):

• Greeting.  Don’t forget to make sure you’re using the correct form and spelling of the person’s name. If you’re not sure of the person’s name, do your best; ie: the garbage guy.
  • Dear Waste Management Truck Driver:
• Express Your Thanks. Begin with the two most important words: Thank you.
  • Thank you for taking all of the garbage we had by the curb last week.
• Add Specific Details. Obviously this depends on why you are thanking someone. If you received a gift or cash, tell them how you will use it.
  • We cleaned out our garage and I know we had way more trash than we should have.
• Look Ahead. Mention the next time you might see them, or just let them know you’re thinking of them. (This one is a little weird for my garbage guy example, so I had to think a little)
  • You keep a tight schedule and I really appreciate you taking the extra time to pick up all of our trash. We promise not to clean our garage again soon.
• Restate Your Thanks. Add details to thank them in a different way.
  • Again, thanks for helping us out!
• End With Your Regards. “Sincerely” is a safe standby, but for closer relations, use a warmer option, and sign your name.

Now, all you need is a supply of thank you cards. Sure, it would be great if you bought some from my Etsy shop, but I don’t care. Just get some! No excuses!! Make someone’s day and get that warm fuzzy feeling for yourself.