Several years ago, when a co-worker asked if I wanted to buy a $10 discount card to support her son’s baseball team, I agreed without much thought. Sure, the fact that Shamrocks Bar & Grill was included was a nice perk, but my main reason was simply to support her and her son, Haden.
Fast forward four years, and I still buy one of those cards every spring even though I don’t see her regularly anymore. Why do I buy? Is it because we still work together? No, we don’t, unfortunately. Is it because I’m a huge baseball fan? Not really. Is it for the discount at Shammy’s? Honestly, I’m notorious for forgetting I even have it when I’m dining there. Is it because of the handwritten thank you card I receive from sweet Haden every year? BINGO!
I cherish these notes from Haden. Handwritten notes seem to be a rarity in today’s fast-paced, digital world. But why is that? The thought of this little boy, carefully sitting at a table, printing kind words to a stranger in exchange for a small $10 purchase, brings me so much joy. Kudos to Haden’s parents for instilling this beautiful practice in him!
I’ve always loved writing letters (any gals out there remember signing pen pal letters with LYLAS?) There is something special about the combination of using fun stationery, a juicy pen, the flow of cursive writing, sealing the envelope with a sticker, and topping it off with an artistic stamp. It’s an experience that’s both creative and heartfelt.
A couple of months ago, I purchased a bundle of gratitude cards from Jess Upchurch & Co. These cards are intentionally designed to remind someone they’re loved, with just enough space for a thoughtful one or two-liner. While the thought of someone finding this little sparkle in their mailbox makes me happy, the joy I feel while writing them is even greater.
Did you know that writing a thank you card or expressing gratitude can trigger the release of dopamine and serotonin? These neurotransmitters are responsible for feelings of happiness and well-being. Studies have shown that practicing gratitude can increase these “feel-good” chemicals by about 10%, promoting a sense of contentment and reducing stress.
I recently purchased another stack of gratitude cards from Jess Upchurch & Co., and it won’t be the last. So, how are YOU practicing gratitude? Have you written a note lately? I challenge you to do it. Even if it’s just a post-it note for someone at home, take a few sacred breaths, reflect on what that person means to you, and write down 1-3 sentences to tell them. You’ll be so glad you did.
