A local author's program seeks to teach kids an important life skill to show gratitude for what they receive.
The Thank You Note Project is a yearlong endeavor created by Allison Leach. As author of the Thank You Note Project blog, Allison is hoping to pass on the tradition of writing thank you notes to her children and others.
"My grandmother Roro has always, without fail, written me a thank you note upon receiving a gift from me or after a visit with me," Leach said. "She taught my mother the importance of writing thank you notes, and my mom passed this tradition on to me."
"I actually wrote my very first note in this project to her. She helped me believe in the power of handwritten correspondence, and I hope to demonstrate its importance to others through this challenge."
Leach said the Thank You Note Project is all about tallying up all the nice things that are happening around you.
"I love expressing gratitude for these unexpected everyday events that might seem little, but really make a huge difference in my family's life," Leach said. "Thinking about who I will write the next thank you note to is reshaping the way I look at all my interactions. I find myself looking for all the good in situations."
In the age of social media, Leach said handwritten notes are more important than ever. They're traditional and timeless.
"We can chat, update, 'like' and email each other all day long, but don't connect in the same way as we do with handwritten correspondence," she said. "When I go to retrieve my mail each day, its the handwritten notes that make my day. It's like getting a gift in the mail. I don't feel the same way when I'm checking through my inbox."
So whether it's the person cutting your hair or fixing a door, or even a helpful server at a restaurant, Leach said a small thank you note can help you share gratitude on the spot.
For more information, go to: www.thankyounoteproject.com
