Say Thank You: Weekly Habit Practice

The Weekly Habit Practices are mini-challenges intended to help you fine-tune different aspects of your health and wellness. Offered between Challenges, these practices address fitness, nutrition, stress reduction, productivity, and personal connection — because health is about far more than food and the gym (and we could all use a little practice).

Say Thank You Every Day This Week

Simple Instructions:

1. At some point in each day, find someone to acknowledge. Thank that person for something specific that made a difference for you, big or small.
2. You can thank a family member, friend, or a stranger. What’s important is that you let them know what they did for you and you express your gratitude for it.
3. You can express your thanks in whatever manner you choose — in person, on the phone, or in writing. If you choose to write your thank-you, consider writing a real letter or card instead of a text or email. I have a collection of thank-you cards I’ve been given over the years that continue to have an impact every time I re-read them.

Why Is This Skill Important?

We all want to make a difference in the world and in the lives of others. But sometimes our busy schedules can get the best of us. We fail to let people know that their contributions had an impact, that their actions affected the course of our day — in a good way.

And the amazing thing about expressing our gratitude is that it allows both the giver and the receiver to step back from life’s craziness and lifts them both up with positive human connection. That said, it’s not always easy for a person to accept acknowledgement. So, as part of this week’s practice, you might also observe your own response to gratitude. Do you receive it with a smile and a thank you or do you put it off as “no big deal”?

This week, practice expressing gratitude. You’ll boost the net positive forces in the world, and you’ll see how it boosts you up, as well.

Becca Borawski Jenkins

Becca earned her MFA in Cinema-Television Production at USC’s famed film school, and her first career was as a music editor. Becca found her way to career number two through martial arts. She trained in BJJ and muay Thai and worked with professional MMA fighters, building websites, organizing fight promotions, and producing videos.

In 2005, she became a student at CrossFit Los Angeles where she met WLC co-founders Andy Petranek and Michael Stanwyck. In only a couple years, she became CrossFit Level III Certified, left her entertainment career, and dedicated herself full time to coaching, serving as the Program Director of CFLA and founder of the CFLA CrossFit Kids program. After seven years as a music editor and then eight years as fitness instructor, Becca segued to her current career — full-time editor and writer.