My first guest blogger…..and an international talent at that! (thanks Juls) x

Hi, I’m Juls. I’m a writer, brander, mom, yogi, runner, wife and friend. I believe that gratitude is the key to happiness, and the basis for most healthy relationships. I practice gratitude the way I’d practice at playing the guitar, if I were musical in any way, which I am not. Learning to express gratitude opens up an entirely new dimension in life, and I know a thing or two about writing a great thank you note.

1. Handwritten is best. Written gratitude is becoming a lost art and people are truly touched to get a note of thanks in the mailbox. If you don’t have time to hand-write it, don’t skip it. Send an email or a text, or even an MP3 of yourself saying thank you.
2. Start with how it made you feel. “Thanks for the flowers. They made me feel really loved.” Or “Thanks for the sports watch. Wearing it makes me feel like a true professional.” Or, “Thanks for taking the time for such a great lunch. It made me feel important in your life.”
3. Mention how you’ll use it. “I’m going to wear my new sweater on my trip to New York.” Or, “Every time I see the flowers I’ll think of you and what a great time we had.” Or, “I’ll light the candle before bed to relax at night.”
4. Skip the B.S. If it’s not true, don’t say it. Saying orange is your favorite color if it makes you look sick does not make you noble. Instead, find something you do specifically like about it. “I love the fabric. It’s so soft.” Or, find something you like about the gesture: “I love that you shopped for me. I feel so special.”
5. Include why you’re grateful for the giver – not just the gift. “I’m so grateful to have a friend like you in my life.” Or, “I feel so lucky to have you looking out for me.” Or, “My days are so much nicer because you are in them.”

Thanks for letting me share this with you. It makes me feel like I’m really making a difference.  (and you are Juls!)