Thank you ... Merci ... Gracias ... Shukran ... Danke ... Grazie ... Arigatô ... Dziękuję ... Dank u wel ...

"Our lives are built one small brick at a time, ordinary day by ordinary day.  With each little expression of thoughtfulness, we create something of immense significance - character, both our own and that of others."  - McCullough

This week, in the United States, we celebrate Thanksgiving.  It is a day set aside where we are able to reflect on our blessings, what we've been given, and be thankful to our creator, our friends, colleagues, and family for those gifts.  In this day and age where people run around and are too busy, too stressed and too focused on the negative, it is an opportunity to pause and appreciate all we have. 

Being thankful should not be reserved for one day or reserved only for significant blessings, however.  For every one of us receives a multitude of blessings every day.  From a service perspective, saying 'thank you' is critical because it acknowledges our clients have choices and demonstrates our gratitude to our clients because they choose to do business with us.  Furthermore, taking a moment and saying 'thank you' is not only a nice to do, but acknowledges our interdependence upon one another, shows thoughtfulness, and demonstrates that we do not take the kindness, business or blessings for granted.  It makes the recipient feel good because their worth is being acknowledged, but also allows us delivering the 'thank you' a moment to reflect on what we have, a moment of contentment. 

It is easy to take the people in our lives and our clients in particular for granted.  But realizing people's value and being grateful for their inherent value as people can make a huge difference, both to them and us.   Look for the blessings in your life and be sure to say 'thank you' to the people in your life.  It will do you both good. 

And I would be remiss if I didn't take this moment and thank all of you who read and encourage others to read my blog faithfully, who have offered advice, given me recommendations and business, sent letters, e-mails, and notes of encouragement, made introductions and countless other kindnesses shown me during the past year.  It means more to me than you could ever know.  Thank you!

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