The Pitch Pipe - January 2009 - (Page 4) from the president The Power of Being Thankful A As I sit in my office reminiscing about the tropical breezes and lush surroundings many of us experienced in November, I find myself very thankful — thankful that I have those fond memories to reflect on during a very cold day back at home. Saying “thank you” is very important to me personally. It’s a powerful phrase that really touches people and makes them feel good to be recognized and appreciated. An added bonus is that when you say it, you’re recognizing that you have something to be thankful for personally — so it benefits the person you’re thanking and it benefits you, too. Joanna L. Krotz, a New York Citybased author and publisher, believes that extending old-time courtesies helps you stand out in the business world. She writes that, “saying ‘thank you’ has become a competitive advantage.” An etiquette poll found that nearly five out of every 10 people don’t always say thanks. As members of this incredible organization, we have so much for which to be grateful! Our music buoys our spirits, gives the listener joy, increases the love in our hearts and just makes the whole world better. As we think about our chorus members and the many roles they play in order to assure our musical growth and fiscal stability, I wonder how often we say “thank you” to the people who make that happen. There’s a big difference in receiving an individual thanks and a group thanks. We’re good at recognizing people as a group, and we really love that applause! However, the one-on-one expression really makes someone feel special. Several years ago I was coaching a chorus over several days and when I left, the director handed me a box full of individual thank-you messages that the chorus had written to me. I still have the box, and I still read the thank yous! After Maureen McGovern’s concert with the Rich-Tones several years ago, she did a master class the following day, and she sang a song for us that has really touched my life — its title is Grateful and the lyrics were written by John Bucchino. I’ve got a roof over my head I’ve got a warm place to sleep Some nights I lie awake counting gifts Instead of counting sheep I’ve got a heart that can hold love I’ve got a mind that can think There may be times when I lose the light And let my spirits sink But I can’t stay depressed When I remember how I’m blessed A simple, handwritten thank-you note sent in sincere gratitude, rather than a prelude to asking for something, sets you apart from others in a positive way. Saying thank you to staff and volunteers builds loyalty and increases productivity. Try saying thank you to your chorus members for a job well done — it not only feels good to say it, but it shows that you appreciate the voices in your choruses and the friendships you nurture. Deborah Norville, TV personality and author of “Thank You Power: Making the Science of Gratitude Work for You,” says that people who focus on gratitude are just flat-out happier. They see their lives in favorable terms, and report fewer negative physical symptoms, such as headaches or colds. Being grateful is not a new concept — Christianity, Buddhism and most other religions emphasize the importance of expressing gratitude. I choose to be grateful and thankful for the wonderful happenings and amazing people in my life. So, as I sit here on this drizzly, frigid day, I am thankful for the wonderful friends I met in Hawaii, and the lifelong friendships I hold close to my heart. Unlike any of my non-Sweet Adeline friends, I have friendships with people from around the world, so many wonderful personalities, talents that I couldn’t begin to count them! I am thankful for the hard work and dedication our volunteers and the fantastic job our international staff showed during the convention week — and all year around. Mostly I am thankful for the members who keep this organization going strong — thankful for our craft and the opportunities we have as Sweet Adelines members. In a world that can bring pain I will still take each chance For I believe that whatever the terrain Our feet can learn to dance Whatever stone life may sling We can moan or we can sing Grateful, grateful Truly grateful I am Grateful, grateful Truly blessed And duly grateful 4 January 2009
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