A genuine, sincerely meant thank you is very significant. There are many ways to show thanks, not just verbal, but however it is given it's part of gratitude which is an asset to a good life.
Gratitude enriches human life. It elevates, energises, inspires and transforms.
Those who practice it experience significant improvements in several area of life. Relationships, energy levels and even dealing with tragedy and crisis are improved.”
Dr. Robert Emmons.
As a child I was taught that “thank you notes” were essential when receiving gifts, compliments or help from another and they should be written and sent as quickly as possible.
Now that our ways of communication have changed so much, from letters and notes to e-mails or texts and more, a thank you note is a rarity.
I only occasionally take the time to send one, but I do miss receiving them.
Recently a “Breakfast of Champions” run by the United Way of Waterloo communities was held to thank and honour past campaign chairs. It was a creative idea and very worthwhile.
Although I knew there was no longer a United Way office in Cambridge, I had not fully appreciated the Waterloo communities included Cambridge and North Dumfries as well as Kitchener and Waterloo. I should have known.
The Chief Executive Officer, Joan Fisk, who joined in 2017 is well known in Cambridge, it’s her hometown. Scott Hamilton, Cambridge city councillor is the senior director of philanthropy and Jillian Lawrie, born and raised in Cambridge and recently returned, is the manager of marketing and communications, giving Cambridge strong representation at their head office at 50 Sportsworld Crossing, Kitchener.
The breakfast was an eye opener for me, past chairs from 1978 to 2023 met to share stories and ideas. The room was attractively decorated, the archival scrap books from past decades were on display.
Set with tablecloths, flowers, and name tags, the room was welcoming, with a healthy substantial breakfast buffet served. As I heard about the history, the generosity of countless volunteer hours and the passion and staff and guests showed for the cause was uplifting.
Again, the power of a thank you
One phrase that I thought was brilliant was one [previous chair who when describing who people complained about problems within their community whilst he was canvassing for donations, answered with “We are giving you the opportunity to help solve the problem.”
My shared story was how in 1991 as the honorary chair I was invited to speak to the board of directors of the largest prestigious company in town.
The late Brenda Peters, then executive director of cambridge United Way, impressed on me how important it was that I present as a well-turned-out woman, especially since as a former abused spouse I was to talk about moving forward after enduring troublesome times.
Dressed to the nines, looking like I was to attend a wedding with a fancy hat and even gloves, I arrived feeling pretty good about myself. However, a change of plan took me to the shop floor filled with noisy machinery, dozens of workers in greasy overalls, and metal fillings covering much of the floor. Not what I had imagined, I looked and felt most out od place.
Taking a deep breath as the machines were turned down, I addressed the workers saying, “I thought if I dressed up I would get your attention as I doubt you are used to seeing someone like me in here.” It did get their attention.
More than 30 years later I recall the occasion well, years afterwards if I were to encounter one of the tool and dye workers about town they remembered too and they thanked me.
More recently at a pre-concert reception to thank past chairs and directors of the Cambridge Symphony Orchestra for their passion and commitment; which helped bring us to the first concert of the 20th season last Friday night at the Hamilton Theatre, I was thanking those in attendance.
Suddenly the microphone was taken out of my hand and a young man said in effect “This woman is thanking all of us when the real thanks should go to her, for her inspiration, her passion and all she does not just for the CSO but for the Arts in general in our community.” What an unexpected and appreciated comment.
As I said a sincere Thank you is very powerful, again I witnessed this at the Food bank AGM this past week
Our Cambridge Food bank runs a very efficient, and positive upbeat AGM. It is short, but not on thanks as the volunteers are complimented, awarded and appreciated.
Each year I am impressed that within an hour all the business is dealt with, and the volunteers applauded and suitably rewarded. AGMs are not known for being uplifting but the Food bank ones certainly are.
So, remember the importance of a sincere “Thank you” and think about who you might owe one to, or give one unexpectedly and make someone’s day, and Thank you for reading my 80th column in Cambridge Today!
