A Simple Act of Gratitude

Recently, someone loaned me a copy of the memoir A Simple Act of Gratitude by John Kralik. It is the true story of a down-on-his-luck man who decides that he might find a way to be grateful for what he has by writing thank you notes—365 notes in one year. 

According to Kralik, expressing those simple words in his own handwriting, over and over again, gradually transformed him; it changed his outlook, his behaviour and ultimately, his life.  

While reading this book one morning, I had an epiphany: I owe my career to a thank you note. I’d forgotten this, but it’s true. Many years ago, I was chosen to be a Rotary Exchange Student for our area; prior to leaving on this twelve month trip to Australia, I attended a conference in Grand Rapids, Michigan and along with other students, was given extensive training on how to conduct myself as an ambassador for Rotary and my home country. One of the many tips which we were given that weekend: when invited to someone’s home for dinner or an overnight visit, we should bring a gift for our hosts and afterwards, send a note of thanks. Their emphasis on the importance of saying, “Thank you” stayed in my head long after the Exchange year was over. 

A decade later, I decided that I wanted to work at the County Library and began applying for every job that was advertised; eventually, I got a phone call for an interview. When I sat down for the interview, the first thing the County Librarian said to me was, “I just want you to know that you’re not going to get this job. You’re not qualified, but you keep applying for jobs here so I decided that I wanted to meet you.” 

Afterwards, I sent a note thanking him for taking the time to interview me, especially considering the fact that I did not have the qualifications to be a Reference Librarian. Months later, I received a phone call from him telling me that there was a student job opening at their library. I was hired for that job; in turn, this led to two part-time jobs and eventually, a full-time position with the County Library—a job that I continued to do without formal library qualifications for the next eighteen years until I returned to university and earned an MLIS degree.

While I'm sure that persistence played a role, expressing gratitude via the concrete act of penning a letter—one simple act of gratitude—undoubtedly helped plant my foot inside the library’s door.  




Postcard Circa 1913

That is a point which Matthew Ruttan makes in his blog this week: that Thanksgiving isn’t just a feeling—it’s an action.  

I’m not suggesting that we all sit down and write a bunch of thank you notes in order to “get stuff” in return, but rather, that we recognize and express gratitude for the many gifts in our lives.






Postcard Circa 1915

For instance, I went to our local small town garage on Saturday and had snow tires put on my car. I’ve been doing business with them for over thirty years now and am grateful for the excellent, friendly service which they provide. As I went to leave after paying my bill, the owner handed me a bag of home grown beets from his garden. It was the perfect harvest “thank you” not only for that day’s business transaction, but also, for a customer service relationship that has lasted decades—in other words, one simple act of gratitude.  



Postcard Circa 1915

Whether it is with a handwritten note, a bag of home grown beets or something that is a unique reflection of you, my challenge to everyone is to find ways to express gratitude for the gifts around you—not just this weekend as you celebrate Thanksgiving (or next month, if you’re American), but throughout the year. May your blessings always be bountiful!