Say It Out Loud!                                                                         January 2008

Have you ever wanted to say something to acknowledge someone, and then for whatever reason you never did? Maybe you just couldn't find the words at the time, or you figured you would write a note later…and then somehow it just never happened?

Saying "thank you" never gets old.
It takes only an extra moment, and when combined with friendly eye contact and a few honest words of acknowledgment - it sends a ripple of goodwill out into the world, and you may never know just how much the person on the receiving end needed to hear it.

Something as simple as offering a smile and a sincere compliment to a waitress, for example, who has done a particularly good job in serving you - can you imagine what that will do to her confidence and how the rest of her day goes?

What about an old teacher from school who encouraged you and made you believe in yourself? What about a customer service representative who followed-up and went above & beyond the call of duty to find a solution to your issue?

When you appreciate someone, SAY IT!!! TELL THEM!

Even years later, if there is someone who did something "extra" that made a difference for you but you never told them at the time - make it your mission to find that person and tell them that they mattered. Write them a letter. Pick up the phone. Send flowers. Do something, anything - just don't miss that opportunity to reach out and touch someone's heart.

I had an encounter with a very special lady who was a dietitian at Royal Inland Hospital when I was diagnosed with diabetes 19 years ago. Completely traumatized at the time, I hardly knew whether I was coming or going, but she had a moment with me that I've never forgotten - and it gave me what I needed at a time when I was never more alone in the world. I was in my hospital bed crying and she came over and held my hand - and said quite simply, "Don't worry. We'll help you."

It was something so simple, yet it affected me in a very profound way and I had always wanted to go back and thank her for her kindness. This past October, through what can only be described as Divine Intervention, I found her! She didn't remember who I was, but I was able to share with her how that "little extra something" she did for me so many years ago had stuck with me, and what a difference that one kind gesture had made at the time. She had no idea that it had affected me the way that it had.

Who would you thank? Is there someone in your life that you've perhaps been taking for granted? The next time a service professional does "a little extra" for you, will you seize the moment?

Go and spread some gratitude around - you'll make someone's day, as well as your own!

Cheers and a Smile,

PS. This month's column was inspired by a letter I received from my friend Edwin in Singapore!