WRITING BACK TO SAY THANK YOU …

WRITING BACK TO SAY THANK YOU … As a matter of courtesy, it is always good to write people whom you have met (and enjoyed chatting/discussion/sharing resources) in a conference, meeting or event away from home – or even over the internet.

I had a lot of things to get out of the way when I returned from Wallis and Futuna in mid-September. (Yes, plenty of work.)

I finally managed to shoot emails back to Wallis and thanked a few “special” people who went out of their way to help us.

It is a matter of appreciating the help given.

In the same way, some from other parts of the Pacific (e.g. Fiji) sent emails back to thank some of us for little things that we did or shared.

(Due to my knowledge of the language, I helped two of the managers from Team Fiji with a bit of preparation before the Games commenced. They, on the other hand, helped in other ways.)

And this is something I want all of you to learn. Learn to appreciate people you meet.

Help them in whatever way you can.

Yes, not all will really appreciate all the help you offered.

On the other hand, not all in your group, will appreciate help offered to you by others.

But as for you, make it your duty to appreciate their help and say “thank you”, "merci beaucoup”, “malo si’i ofa”, “mauruuru”, “grazie”, or whatever language you use.

 

Photo: Wallisian family, the Uveakovis (our friends), and Team PNG manager Ilaita Gigimat (right) at Hihifo Airport, Wallis, on Sept 13.  

People who have lived better lives say some of the best things in life favour those who are courteous – as in saying “thank you” for things done to help them.

Furthermore, you will realize that your circle of friends will enlarge – that is to say, your world becomes bigger.

You will notice that your people are not only the ones you live with, or are in that same country – your people also live beyond your shores.

A few days ago, I wrote to an English writer who posted that she was appointed an editor of a top blog. (Because I love to discuss topics on writing, I had subscribed to her newsletter which is sent regularly, for free.)

As far as I am concerned, nobody took notice of that post – or commented on that.

I wrote: “Congratulations Ali, on your appointment.

“We the subscribers to your newsletter know that we will benefit from that in one way or another.

Good luck.”  

Today she wrote back: “Thanks Thomas! I really appreciate your kind words.

"Ali"

Learn to appreciate people. It is part of being courteous.

It also helps others.

Good words are often more valuable than all the material things that we often spend our time worrying over.

May you all appreciate people.

Cheers.