We all know that a simple “thank you” is free. We know that ‘please” and “thank you” go a long way. They’re magic words, after all. They’re common courtesy. They’re polite. Civilized, even.

We can also magnify the impact of a thank you with the application of a little bit of the art of appreciation. Maybe even literally. (The art part, I mean.)

The most meaningful appreciation comes when it’s personal – whether it’s personalized to fit the recipient, or it reveals the personal side of the giver. It’s even better when it’s both!

For example, I received the most beautiful thank you card from a client – with a purple butterfly over spring tulips made (and signed) by her two-year-old daughter. And the entire card was written in purple ink, with great care in beautiful handwriting.

I don’t think everything requires a thank you card (sorry, nana) but pretty much everything deserves acknowledgement and appropriate appreciation!

I’m not sure about the semi-ubiquitous “I appreciate you.”  I don’t have an automatic answer to that when I hear it. It makes me stop and think. Hey, that in itself is a good thing!

So, sweet reader, darling occasional commentor, beloved emailer of responses to these blogs: “I appreciate you – more than you will ever know!”

In the meantime, remember these things: You are loved. We are all loved. Let’s all be kind. And in all things – progress, not perfection!

Love, and light in the shadows,

Maggie