This blog is Part 2 in a 5 Part Series on Showing Your Pride through Unexpected but Powerful Means. Come Join the Dialogue!
Like forgiveness, gratefulness is another unexpected way to show how proud you are to be a part of the queer community. Especially in these recent days when a few laws have been passed in our favour, this is the time to show our gratitude to those who have stood up for our lifestyle and our rights. We have a lot of people rooting for us, and these folks deserve real recognition. It's undeniably easier to focus on those who treat us unfairly, but this is only part of the story. Showing gratitude to those who deserve it will help them realize how much it means to those in the queer community for their support.
Showing gratefulness is an act which takes very little time, but carries a very big impact. Going out of your way to say thank you is something that so few people do in our culture today, that your gratitude will stand out, in whatever form that you show it. Whether it's through a phone call, an e-mail, a letter or a bouquet of flowers, gratitude is a simple action which carries a lot of weight. In the one-time tradition of sharing a story along with this series, here's an example from best-selling author David Bach on the power of showing thankfulness in your personal interactions:
"three years ago I started sending [my lawyer, my accountant, my doctor, my haircutter, the mechanic who looks after my car--the list goes on and on] thank-you notes and in some cases a gift basket at Christmas. The first time I did this, my doctor called me personally to say 'thank you.' Guess what? Even though my doctor is routinely booked up three months in advance, I never have to wait for an appointment anymore. I just seem to get right in. My car mechanic framed my thank-you letter and posted it on the wall of his waiting room. My accountant seemed to find more deductions the next year.
I'm not kidding. Because of my small gifts and notes, my relationship with all these professionals is now different. They remember me because I made a small gesture to say 'thank you.' Try it. Our parents were right: Saying 'thank you' goes a long way."
Even in matters that aren't explicitly queered, it makes a huge difference to show how much you appreciate what others do for you. People who feel appreciated want to provide you with more assistance, because they know their efforts do not go unnoticed.
Whether it's going out of your way to thank your waiter for their exceptional service or sending your brother for supporting you when you came out to your parents, extending your thanks to those around you is a small, but significant way to show your pride!
photo courtesy of The Alienness GiselaGiardino's photostream
4 comments:
I really enjoyed this post. I must say that lately I've been rather disappointed in my community out here in Houston. This post made me realize that I still have a lot to be proud of and that people are truly rooting for us and our acceptance in this society.
Saying Thank You goes a long way and I try to go way out of my way to say it to people.
I'll be keeping up with your posts, they prove to be some good reads.
I always make it a priority to thank people who do the right thing. It speaks volumes when we complain and stand up but also show appreciation and thanks.
I say thank you profusely when I'm flying, at a restaurant, or asking for information on the phone. You are right, things seem to work out more when you say thank you.
I always tell me own children and students to practice random acts of gratitude.
beautiful post and thoughts and beautiful photo. Thank you for the reminders!
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