Your Thankfulness Rubs Off on Others

 

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:

1.  Name a time when someone’s actions or attitude rubbed off on you.
2.  What examples of thankfulness have you seen today or within the last week?
3.  Name a special way you show your thankfulness.  Give a specific example of when you’ve done this.

I look forward to your comments!

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