Saying “Yes” and “Thank You.”

“Oui, merci!”

That was the first time I ever learned how to say “yes” and “thank you” in French during class in 7th grade. I remember thinking that “merci” sounded very pretty to my 13-year-old ears.

One of the best things about learning foreign languages is that you can learn how to say “thank you” in all of them.

I don’t know what it is about learning how to say “thanks” or “thank you,” in different languages that always grabs my heart.

It is the most important thing you can learn to say, probably even more important than saying “hello.”

Gratitude is the key to the heart of any relationship in the world.

If we aren’t grateful, we aren’t human.

If we aren’t thankful, we aren’t people.

Are you grateful?

Are you thankfful?

When we are presented with opportunities that bring us joy and delight, fulfill our dreams, what is the first thing that bubbles up?

“Thank you so much!”

“For real? For me? Yes, yes, yes, thank you!”

“Thank you very much for your offer! Yes, I would like to take it, absolutely.”

To not say “yes” and to not say “thank you” is to not live a full life anywhere, as anyone, doing anything.

You have not lived, unless you have said “yes” and “thank you,” from the bottom of your heart, with the brightest mind.

Watching anime in high school with my best friend at the age of 15, I remember catching on to the Japanese in only one area.

“Arigato!”

While my friend made the same motions for transmutation from Full Metal Alchemist, I was picking up on how to say “thanks!”

Our attraction to thankful people is natural.

We gravitate towards the man who smiles and graciously adds, “thank you. I’ll pay for the tip.”

We find ourselves charmed by the woman who looks at the flat tire on her car and quips, “thank you for coming to my aid. Aren’t you glad it’s not raining?”

What makes you thankful?

It attracts many good things to you, including opportunities.

There is more than one religion and philosophy that promotes gratitude, and there’s a reason for it!

It is good for your health? Yes. Scientifically proven.

It lowers your blood pressure and your heart rate? Of course!

But it also lets you live a life free of stress, releasing you from bitterness.

To be thankful is to live. To be grateful is to give.

Giving a “yes” comes part and parcel with a “thank you.”

Always.