'Thanks'

As you know, I'm really interested in the effect saying thanks has on our relationships, our own wellbeing, our lives, and our world in general. With this in mind, this week I thought I'd set us all a creative gratitude exercise...

First think of someone who has done something special for you, either recently or in the past. It doesn't matter what it is, just that it's something you have benefited from and feel grateful for. If possible, try to pick someone who you've not said thanks to already. Even better if it will be a surprise for the person who you're thanking.

Create an artwork to give to them in gratitude for their gift to you. You could create it on the front of a card or you could make something bigger, it depends on the time you have in your week. Either is fine though, it's the gesture that matters.

Add some words of thanks, remind them of what they did, the way that you benefited from it, and how it made you feel.

Photograph or scan it to share with us before you send it on it's way. You might post it, or you might choose to make a special visit to deliver it to them in person.

Later, if you feel it's appropriate, tell us in a comment on your post how it was received by the person/ people you said thanks to and the impact that this act of gratitude had on you.

Thanks - by Deb

Lasso's done so much for me, been there through thick and thin, lifted me up when my spirits were down, and celebrated my triumphs when they came my way. Rather than a card, or a drawing, i wanted to thank him with an experience. So i crafted many tasty treats for a shared feast! Wontons, spring rolls, pad-thai, hot garlic-soy asian greens, and chocolate pudding and vegan icecream for dessert! Mmm yum! Candle-lit too. Creating a new memory was a most special way to say thankyou!

~ Thankyou Shellbelle for a most beautiful and thoughtful topic for our week ~

Thanks - from Shell

I have so many people to say thank you to! I have really been blessed. This is a thank you gift for the staff of a psychology clinic who helped me enormously over the course of my research. Their tireless efforts helped me get the numbers that I needed through my program and helped me get my degree. I really am indebted to them. They shone sunshine into my life so I thought this quote was very apt.

And Thank You - from Shell

I am also indebted to my wonderful supervisor. I made her this artwork as a small gesture of thanks for all her encouragement, valuable comments, critical thinking, and for believing in me. I couldn't have got through my studies without her and feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work under her guidance.

I'm still looking for the right frame for this thank you and then I can send it off...