Being thankful.....

Dialogue/Story Gina: I would like to begin by expressing my gratitude to all the people who have helped me along the way… Mark: You’re not going to start your speech with that boring opening, are you? Gina: It’s not boring. It’s a nice opening. Mark: It’s too formal and stiff. How about, “Hey, everybody. Thanks a million!” Gina: That’s too informal. Mark: Fine, if you say so. What comes next? Gina: Well, then I say, “I want to whole-heartedly thank those who stuck with us and who never let us down.” Mark: That’s too impersonal. How about, “Hey Emiliano, you’re totally awesome. And you, Tania? You’re absolutely fab. Gina: That doesn’t even come close to expressing how I feel. I want to thank people for their thoughtfulness, generosity, and support from the bottom of my heart. Mark: That’s so sappy! Why don't you just give props to people who deserve it and a shout-out to the people who helped you? Then, you jump off the stage and walk through the audience to high-five everybody. That’s how I would give a thank-you speech. Gina: I’ll remember that the next time I speak to a group of 10-year-olds!

Expressing thanks and gratitude Here are different ways to say thank you and to show your appreciation for something done or given to you. Examples: Thanks. Sincere thanks. Thank you. I am indebted to you. I appreciate what you've done for me. I am grateful. You've been very helpful. I thank you from the bottom of my heart. If anyone deserves thanks, it's you. Thanks for being thoughtful. What you've done means a lot to me. How can I ever thank you enough for all you've done? You have been extremely supportive through this difficult time. I want to thank you for all the support and concern. That was very kind of you. Thank you for being there for me.

1. What am I grateful for in my life right now? Why?

2. Who inspires me? How?

3. What makes me hopeful?

4. What challenging situations have brought out the best in me?

5. How might I show appreciation for the people in my life?