-John E. Southland
If you have been blessed by meaningful relationships with friends, family, mentors, or business associates, or if someone you don't even know has touched your life in a significant way with their courage or kindness . . . tell them about it.
The 180º° Letters are about doing your part. We have all received help from people in our lives that made us better. Those people who helped you probably didn't feel any more prepared to step out of their comfort zones to make a difference in your life than you feel prepared to do now. Most of the people who are to be praised aren't even aware of the extent of their contribution. They were just doing their part to make the world better. Now it's your turn.
Tell them about it. Tell your teacher she did good even if her paycheck didn't realize it. Tell your mentor his wisdom got you through. Tell your dad you noticed he didn't miss a game. Tell the stranger on TV the courage to share her story gave you courage to change yours. Your words can make their sacrifices easier and all our journeys better.
The benefits of "thank you" reach not only to the recipient but also reside with the writer. We have as much of a need to say thanks as we do to hear it. So if someone has thanked you with a 180º° Letter, pass it on.