For 281 days, my best friend and I sent a thank you to each other. Some were as simple as thank you for getting me ice cream, or more thoughtful such as thank you for believing in me. Every night before I fell asleep, I would send her my thank you, and every morning I would get hers in return.

You don’t need 281 thank you’s to change your life-- sometimes all you need is one. There are so many reasons to be thankful, from the small mundane things like opening the door for someone to the appreciation for being in one’s life. Thank you’s should be shared.

It is important to say thank you and even more important to hear it. If you feel as though you aren’t hearing it enough, then ask for it. Why are we not asking for our thank you’s if we are constantly being disappointed when we don’t get them? It is okay to let someone know that you want to feel appreciated even if you know deep down that you are.

Be honest with the praise that you need to hear. If something is missing, it is up to you to let that person know what would make things better. We all need a little boost of encouragement, and it’s okay if you are the one asking for it. If a thank you will make you work harder, love more, and spread kindness, then ask for it!

We get so caught up in our day-to-day living that we forget that our wives are making dinner, caring for the kids, and working every day. That our husbands are providing for the family, taking care of the house, and protecting us. That our fathers and mothers gave us life, raised us, and continue to take care of us every day. That our friends lend their shoulders to us, bring laughter during times of sadness, and believe in us when we don’t believe in ourselves. It is time to stop and say thank you.

Thank you all for being great mothers, daughters, fathers, sons, sisters, brothers, friends, husbands, wives, co-workers. If someone hasn’t told you lately, you are doing a great job, so keep it up! I want to also thank everyone that has read this, it means a lot.