Last updated on February 2nd, 2024 at 11:33 am
With everything happening in the world today, why take time to “Think to Thank?” I don’t know all the answers, but I do know that a smile warmed my heart and face as I recently re-read a thank you note from a swim meet volunteer coordinator. Perhaps you don’t have a thank you note from a swim meet to refer to. But are there people you are grateful for? Take a moment to reflect and consider writing a short note to let them know.
Regardless of our circumstances, I believe there’s always something to be grateful for. When we take the time and effort to express our thanks, it benefits both us and the one we express gratitude to. It also builds our organization, team, or program when we regularly practice this. Helping athletes express thanks creates positive connections for them too. Who couldn’t use more of that?
Contents for Think to Thank
A Heartfelt Thank You Note
Although this note was written in mid-March, 2020 just before many of the COVID-19 restrictions began, I love the heartfelt warmth and appreciation expressed. Although the time and skill commitments to the meet varied greatly between volunteers — some worked every session, others just part of one — I love that this acknowledges that together, we pulled off something great. Together, we worked to create a space where kids could interact, strive, grow, perform, learn to bounce back, and other essential skills.
Dear 2020 Age Group State Meet Helper,
It has been a crazy week! I am grateful that we were able to have the Age Group State before the social distancing began. It always does me good to see so many enthusiastic, kind-hearted people wanting to help at a youth sports activity. Glad I got to work with you before going into isolation. I want to personally thank you for helping and making this meet such a success. I’ve received many compliments about the meet, and its success is due to the many volunteers that gave their talents and time. You literally timed for hours, walked 20,000+ steps to post results, or meet marshaled in sporty, yellow jackets! I’m glad the meet is over, but I appreciate the sense of community I felt as we worked together to pull off such a large event together. It is in times like these that you appreciate the connection you feel at our meets. I hope this connection will give you some resilience in the next few weeks.
Best wishes to you and your swimmer! Hope to see you soon,
Keep washing your hands!
Lorinne Morris,
2020 Utah Swimming Age Group Championships Volunteer Coordinator
What Can You Do?
Maybe you’ve not hosted a swim meet for months. Or, maybe you don’t have contact information for those who worked past meets. There are many things that might keep us from expressing our thanks to others. Instead of focusing on what you can’t do, consider focusing on what you can.
Start where you are. Do what you can.
So, what are some things most can do?
- Think about what you have to be grateful for. Include people, not just things, in those thoughts.
- Send a thank-you email, text, or note to one person.
- Post on social media something or someone you are grateful for and invite others to do the same.
- Reflect upon the past year. What were some of the bright spots and why? Express thanks to those who helped lift a load or brighten a day. Even if it’s been a while, an expression of gratitude is always welcome.
- What else? Consider acting on the ideas that come.
“Think to Thank” builds positive connections for the youth too
When you “Think to Thank” you build positive connections. Why not help the youth you associate with build positive connections too? How might you invite or encourage them to “Think to Thank” as well? Here are some posts to help spark some ideas.
NOTE: November sometimes marks the start of USA Swimming’s coach appreciation month. Athletes (and others) can express appreciation using #ThankYouCoach.
Summary
The world can seem bleak at times. It’s amazing the difference a thankful thought or expression can make! Taking a moment or two to “Think to Thank” can help lighten your burdens. Expressing thanks and helping athletes to do the same can help create positive connections for others too. Whether we’re seeking a bit more personal peace or trying to help build a team, organization, or program, consider what a little expressed gratitude can do. Why not take a moment and make a difference for good in your world today? Think to thank. Then, do something about it.