Saying “thank you” not only makes others feel good, it can make YOU feel GREAT.
Saying thank you is a common theme in my blog. I’ve shouted out my share of of thanks to the many, many people who have supported and advised me on my artistic journey.
Lately I’ve been doing something a little different.
I have a line of simple jewelry–earrings, necklaces–made with semi-precious stones, vintage glass beads, odds and ends I have lying around the studio. Sometimes I use wire-wrapping techniques a la Deryn Mentock’s work. Sometimes I use salvaged chain in antiqued brass and oxidized silver. Sometimes I combine old buttons and antique beads or even vintage radio resistors.
I can’t sell them at the handmade craft shows I do, because I’m using “purchased components” rather than making my own beads and buttons. I sell them on Etsy, out of my studio, and at some of the smaller shows I do. They’re usually inexpensive–under $25–, they’re fun to make, and they’re always different.
After my holiday shows, I had a lot left over. So I started giving them out as thank you gifts.
If a sales clerk went out of her way to smooth over a sticky transaction, I’d leave a pair of earrings for her. If my photographer squeezed me into his schedule when I had an urgent deadline, he got a few pairs for his wife. When I got my first flat tire last week, and the tire dealer fixed it and remounted it at no charge, I left a few pairs for his wife.
Here’s my point: It’s one thing to say “thank you” to all those who go out of their way to make my life easier.
It was another thing entirely to actually reward it.
I never kept track of how many times I actually say thank you. When I hand out earrings, I notice.
It’s an odd experiment, I know. But if you are feeling like life just sucks right now, try it. Make up something that’s simple and inexpensive. Keep a few tucked in your pocket or bag.
The next time someone does something nice for you, surprise them with your little thank you trinket.
Just see how many more you’re gonna be making each week.
And marvel at the amount of kindness in the universe.
Luann Udell 
What a lovely thing to do – such generosity and sharing in the world is inspiring!
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thats a beautiful gesture. I had put up some tutorials on CraftGossip about things you could make quick and hand out for holiday gifts to all those “invisible” people in our lives-postal workers, coffee clerks, etc… I think it shouldn’t just be for the holidays.
I am going to ponder what I can make and keep in my wallet/purse so that I will always have some on hand for just such times.
so again, thank YOU for sharing your thoughts, insights and journey with all of us.
HUG
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I love the library. Last year I gave the librarians needle felted heart pins as a “thank you” for always being so helpful and friendly. They really are wonderful!
I stopped in last week and one of the librarians was wearing her pin, beaming when she saw me. It was such a gift back to me!
It’s the little things.
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I gave some chocolate truffles to the girl at my local photographic printer – she was really gratified ! And once in the turkish baths I handed out strawberries – months and months later a woman came up to me as ‘the person who handed out strawberries’ so yes you are right its rather uncommon ! I must do more of this.
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Thank YOU, Luann, for mentioning me! What a nice idea…spreading a little gratitude can only be a good thing.
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