A few weeks ago I nudged myself to write a note celebrating someone’s character, specifically acknowledging how my friend Ellen rose above the ugliness of a difficult divorce and ultimately brought her extended family closer together. (See “Nudged: Send a note of appreciation for character/a quality”.) I did this Nudge to expand how I look at people and their contributions, and, in all selfishness, it felt really good to do it, to be part of a current of “good” in the world.

I wasn’t expecting a reply, I didn’t need one, which is why it was so fun to get an actual handwritten note in the mail this afternoon.

“Nobody has ever sent me a thank you note like this before,” Ellen wrote. “It was entirely unexpected and wonderful.”

She went on to point out that it was never her intention to be “noble”, simply “I did not want to be of afraid of the unknown or to become bitter and feel I’d wasted my life.” That certainly is powerful motivation to change how we respond to difficult situations.

She also made it clear that she did not do it alone, that it took each family member’s willingness to bravely stand up and move forward. “It took all of these players to turn it into what it has become.”

And I think that’s what I take away from this. The recognizing that we all have our parts to play, our contributions to make. Whether it’s an issue within a family or a company or a country, we can each make a difference and create ripples of positive change.

Sometimes it can start with a thoughtful note.

“Thank you for making me feel good about this,” Ellen wrote in her closing.

I have to say, I’m quite pleased with how this Nudge played out. 🙂