two words

first off, this is the prettiest thank you gift card ever from Starbucks. this holiday season has been a big blur. after graduating, i feel like life is on x3 speed. getting involved in different areas of interests and learning new things in life daily has kept me on my feet.

on the last day of class, one of my student's parents gave me this. at first, i was startled for about ten seconds, and then it sunk in. just a gesture of saying "thank you" can do so much, something i feel this generation is slowly forgetting.  receiving this and a hand-written card just gave me the fuzzies. i honestly enjoyed teaching my 5th grade students and spoiling them with treats, but to be recognized in this way really made a big impact on me. it was sort of like a pat on the back. i definitely realized how grateful i am to be doing something i enjoy, and also, that i should say thank you more often as well. not just a swift "thank you" when someone holds the door open for me, but a genuine, real one. i feel that sincerity can go a long way, even if its just those two words. it is so easy to live life, forgetting to say these two words when a kind act is done, but sometimes, it is so important to stop and look around you.  how blessed we are to be living where we are, in whatever circumstance we are in. let us all live strongly and thankfully.

note to self: thank you