Thinking and doing are two different things, aren’t they? Especially in this time of ever decreasing attention spans, instant downloads, and media consumption. Everything has a frantic feel.

It seems like connecting the dots from a thought to an action has become a heroic effort.

When we do make the effort or if we are on the receiving end of said effort, it’s a thing. Is it a sad state of affairs that sending a thank you note is now a BIG ole deal? Maybe. But it’s also an opportunity to show your people how much you see, love, and appreciate them.

It’s not even about a thank you note. It’s much more basic. It’s about transforming a thought of appreciation which would normally stay in your brain, into a conversation. The mode doesn’t matter.

Case in point. A couple of days ago during a text conversation with one of my crew about logistics and normal things, she said to me out of the blue:

“I’m really proud of you and your direction. I look up to you. I am proud of you.”

*blink* *blink*

My eyes filled with tears and slid off my cheeks as I managed to type: “Thank you.”

But thank you wasn’t what I meant. Not really. I didn’t mean thank you for thinking that. Don’t get me wrong, I’m flattered that she is proud of me; being a super ladyboss herself, that’s a big deal in itself.

What I meant was thank you for taking the time to tell me you’re proud of me. For letting me know that you see me. Her acknowledgment in where I am, and where I’m going was crystal clear within her short message.

The effort it took was minimal, the impact enormous.

Whether it’s a text, in person, or handwritten; take the time to tell someone how they impact you. How much you admire and love them.

Or maybe it’s a co-worker and you appreciated their presentation this morning, they made a couple of well thought out and provocative points. Maybe, normally you would stay silent and let the thought skitter away. Instead, grab ahold of it and tell them.

Tell the barista if the little flower they made in your cappuccino this morning put a smile on your face. Tell the bus driver thank you for arriving on time. I bet she hasn’t heard that in a month of Sunday’s.

Our willingness to communicate genuine feelings can become the spark that lights up another.

Come onnnnnn, don’t you wanna be a firework today?