Showing and Accepting Thanks
Showing and Accepting Thanks
Here at True Balance Karate in Downers Grove, Illinois, we have a social-emotional learning program called True Character. I’m Master H, owner and chief instructor here at the studio. I have two master’s degrees in education, and we’ve developed this curriculum to meet the needs of our youngest students who are three or four, and our oldest student who is 85.
This month we are talking about thankfulness. We started off defining the word as being happy and grateful for all that we have. Last week, we discussed who we are thankful for and what we are thankful for, getting a sense of all the things we are grateful to have in our lives.
How we show gratitude
This week, in keeping with our thankfulness theme, we’re talking about how we show that we’re thankful and how we accept thanks from others. Showing thankfulness goes beyond just saying “thank you.” It can involve drawing a picture, writing a letter, sending an email or text, giving a present, smiling, holding the door, or simply being kind. Many ways of showing thankfulness overlap with showing kindness. It’s about demonstrating positivity and respect.
Maybe you’re thankful someone carried your groceries or held the door for you. Beyond words, a handshake or other gestures can show your gratitude. It’s important to demonstrate respect and positivity.
Embracing thankfulness
On the other side, how do we accept thanks? Many of us, including myself, find it challenging to accept gratitude for something we’ve done. We often do kind things without expecting thanks, simply because we want to help or be kind. When someone expresses their gratitude, it can feel awkward. Accepting thanks can be as simple as saying, “You’re welcome,” “Anytime,” “My pleasure,” or “I know you would have done it for me.” Acknowledge their gratitude while keeping it sincere and respectful.
When showing or accepting thanks, sincerity is key. It’s about mutual respect and recognizing both sides of the interaction, which is crucial for growing our relationships. As we discuss thankfulness, we cover the people, the actions, how we show it, and how we accept it.
Next week, we’ll talk about how to carry thankfulness throughout the year.
Thanks, and I’ll see you on the mat!
True Balance Karate was founded in 2012 by Master Sue and Paul Helsdon.
We offer kids karate lessons for pre-school children ages 3-6 and elementary age kids ages 7 and up. These lessons are designed to develop the critical building blocks kids need — specialized for their age group — for school excellence and later success in life.
Our adult martial arts training is a complete adult fitness and conditioning program for adults who want to lose weight, get (and stay) in shape, or learn self-defense in a supportive environment.
Instructors can answer questions or be contacted 24 hours of the day, 7 days a week at 630-663-2000. You can also contact us here. True Balance Karate is at 406 Ogden Ave Downers Grove Illinois, 60515 (next to CVS) Check out our Facebook!
