Xingxin on Bug Thanksgiving has arrived. As a Chinese person, it often feels like a festival from another culture. I tried to recall if I ever truly celebrated this event while living in Milan, Turin, or Hamburg, places where I spend Thanksgiving abroad. It seems I never really celebrated it, other than enjoying the time off. When in Shanghai, Thanksgiving is mostly just a day when I can’t reach my colleagues in Boston.
But this year, I am taking seriously. I have always known that I am a grateful guy. I remember who has treated me well. However, I realized I was lacking action. Specifically, the action of sending a message to those who have really helped me.
Gratitude is a seed planted deep in my heart, but the book How to Sell Anything to Anybody was the spark that finally pushed me to act. In the book, Joe Girard introduces his routine of sending cards to people, simply telling them how special they are. I decided to treat the people in my life the same way.
I looked back on the years that have passed and wrote down the names that popped into my head. I sent them quick notes explaining how they helped me and how thankful I am. Once the emails were sent, I feel awesome and lucky.
Thanks you to everyone who helps and support me. I am truly grateful for it. I wish you all well.