Your Thankfulness Rubs Off on Others
Posted by lindamartinandersen on April 20, 2017
A Writer’s Playground–a place to find wordplay, writing prompts, reasons to celebrate, and monthly calendar activities for kids and those young at heart “Your Thoughtfulness Rubs Off on Others” by Linda Martin Andersen

Linda Martin Andersen. Copyright 2017.
I saw four turkeys in my backyard last week. Oops, it’s turkey season. I hope no hunters are reading this. Turkeys, Thanksgiving, and giving thanks go together, but I’d like to encourage you to think of thankfulness all year long. I’m convinced your thankfulness rubs off on others.
What does the expression “rubs off on others” mean? Check here for clarification: http://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/rub-off
An example: A bad mood can rub off on you, but so can a good one, especially when the person shares their thankfulness.
Recently, I spoke to an employee at the gym I attend. When I asked her how she was doing she said, “I am thankful.” When I asked her to say more, she said she was thankful for every day. Just hearing her thankfulness made me feel a little more joyful. In other words, her thankfulness was rubbing off on me. The next thing I know I was writing a blog post about thankfulness.
Another place I’ve observed thankfulness was on Facebook. Yes, Facebook. Someone who was sick posted pictures and updates about kind deeds received. Two examples: There was photo of a meal brought to the home and words of thanks. There were also post updates giving thanks for errands run, a chore completed anonymously, and other acts of kindnesses. These posts and photos could be seen by friends other than the person responsible. Posting such thoughts on social media could cause thankfulness to rub off on even more people. That’s pretty amazing! I wonder if Facebook predicted this positive influence? It’s another version of a thank you note and it’s one that many can read and comment on.
I’d love to hear your thoughts on the topic of thankfulness. If you’re a parent with children at home, I hope you’ll use this post as a springboard for family discussions. If you’re an educator, brainstorm writing prompts or teach lessons on friendship and courtesy.
Here are a few sample writing prompts:
- Name a time when someone’s actions or attitude rubbed off on you.
- What examples of thankfulness have you seen today or within the last week?
- Name a special way you show your thankfulness. Give a specific example of when you’ve done this.
I look forward to your comments!
Thank you for visiting “A Writer’s Playground.” Come again soon and bring a friend. Please leave a comment. Remember that children 13 and under need an adult to comment for them. For more fun, sign up to follow my blog. Thank you!
This entry was posted on April 20, 2017 at 6:08 pm and is filed under Activities for teachers and parents, Character Traits, Family Discussions, goal setting, Homeschool Activities, Posters, Uncategorized, Writing, Writing Prompts. Tagged: A Writer's Playground, Facebook, kind deeds, Linda Martin Andersen, rubs off on others, rubs off on you, social media, thank you cards, thankfulness, Thanksgiving, turkeys. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Jinnette Johnson Hathaway said
Wonderful & inspirational writing!
lindamartinandersen said
Thank you, Jinnette!
Carol Federlin Baldwin said
This is a great reminder. Someone working at the grocery store asked how I was doing today. How much better to say, “I’m thankful!”
lindamartinandersen said
Hi Carol,
I’m glad you liked my example and now have a way to apply it yourself. Thanks for telling me so! Means a lot to me.
Lorene McBryde said
What a true statement! We can’t fix everything, but we CAN be nice, positive and thankful! We are, after all , so blessed!
lindamartinandersen said
Thanks for commenting, Lorene. We are indeed blessed! Let’s remember to be thankful as well!
Joan Y. Edwards said
Dear Linda,
Thanks for writing about thankfulness. It’s amazing that what we thank God and others for, we receive more of. It just keeps going and coming. Sort of like, what goes around, comes around. When I’m feeling down, if I start to name all the things I am thankful for, my mood changes to a better mood.
Celebrate you and the good vibes you share with others.
Never Give Up
Kathleen said
Linda, a wonderful post. I remember being at drive thru at Dunkin Donuts and when I got to the window, the car ahead had paid my bill. I did sleep he same for the car behind me. Changed my mood for rest of day 😊
lindamartinandersen said
Kathy,
What a wonderful example of thankfulness rubbing off on others. Thanks so much for sharing this! This is a memory I doubt you ever forget.
Tracy Campbell said
Thank you for the reminder to be thankful all the time. It’s not always easy to do. Glad your gym friend inspired this great post, Linda. Hugs ❤
lindamartinandersen said
Tracy, it’s always great to hear from you. Being thankful isn’t always easy to do. If we get in the habit of saying and showing it, it will become easier! I’m thankful for you, dear friend!
Jean Matthew Hall said
Reblogged this on Jean Matthew Hall.
Jean Matthew Hall said
Many thanks to you, Linda. You always have a positive spin on things. Thanks for being my friend, and for being a positive role model to me. I have so many friends who have shared their lives with me, and I’m thankful to God for each of them.
lindamartinandersen said
What a great compliment! Thank you, Jean! I hope you’re doing well!