Blog: Organizing For Special Needs
Gratitude

Showing our gratitude and love draws more of these same feelings our way.

It is the greatest gift we have as a human being, to give of ourselves and let our light shine.

If we have a disability that affects our writing abilities, or our speech we may have to be more creative. With a little effort or help...we can all find a way to share.
It can be almost magical to see the amount of love you get back when you put an effort into giving.

People want to be connected.

By showing kindness, we are making our life easier and better.Anyone we remember in this way is going to want to make the world a nicer place for us too.

These are just some ideas of those who may provide you with support, you will know who you want to recognize.


• Neighbors
• Doctors
• Bankers
• Caretakers
• Friends
• Family
• Transportation people
• Nurses
• Therapists
• Social Workers
• Teachers of all kinds
• Mailman
• Garbageman


How can we create an easy way to show appreciation year round?
Have supplies at hand. If you shop, look for sales on paper or stationary.
There are often sales after the holidays.
I have found many card sets at bookstores, deeply discounted.
Try to get a variety so that you will find something that fits the person.
Having nice colored paper, cards, or postcards, kept all in one location, makes jotting a note to someone simple.

Put these items in a place easy to get to, so you will be likely to create.

Ideas:

Thank in a personal way. Verbally is good, but written can be even better. People can't brush off a written compliment, they have time to absorb it.

• Jot down a small note, fold it up and leave it for the intended
• Re-gift things. If you were given something you don't need, think of who might enjoy it. You may not want a box of chocolates, but the staff at the hospital will surely eat it.
• Take the time to wrap nicely if you are able. This shows your sweet intention to make something nice for someone, even if your gift is a small token.

Remember loved ones and friends throughout the year.
One way is to imagine writing just one small letter or postcard a week.
This would cost less than $2 if you mailed them all, and you could touch 52 people in a year.

Make yourself a master list of those you want to write to. Set a goal for yourself. I will have this written and in the mailbox by Wednesday each week. Having a structure really leads to success. And think of all the people you would touch, not just with your words, but with the structure and effort you created. People are always inspired by success, and setting a goal, and meeting it is the definition of success.

"Can you believe that Mary writes a little letter to one of her friends each week? Isn't that amazing? I haven' talked to my sister since last month, I think I'll give her a call today."

Nurse- "I want to thank you for the kindness you always show me. Whenever I come in you make sure I am comfortable, and hand me my favorite magazine while I wait. I wanted you to know that I notice your attention."

Neighbor- " I wanted to tell you how grateful I am to have you as my neighbor. Thank you so much for taking in my garbage. It may seem like a little thing to you, but it really helps me so much."

Social worker-" Your kindness and effort have made all the difference to our family. It was so frightening going through that illness, and to us you seemed like a safe harbor in the storm."

If you are interested in simple gifts that deeply convey appreciation and gratitude, a favorite of mine are the small calendars from www.sarahlove.org. This beautiful women lives in Portland, and does what she loves, to make others happy.

Thank you to all of my readers for giving me the opportunity to grow.
This has been my first formal writing gig, and having a weekly deadline is really helping me boost my skills.
I'm finding journaling easier now, as the more I write the easier it gets.
I like to think of writing as a gift to those we care about.

Can you imagine if you had your grandmothers or grandfathers journal, what it would mean to you in terms of family history?

Take the time to connect with others, it is always worth it.

May you have a year filled with love and kindness in 2008.

Lisa Alishio

posted on: 1/2/2008 12:30:00 PM by Lisa Alishio
category: Special Populations

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Organizing For Special Needs

by Lisa Alishio

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About Lisa:

Lisa Alishio, COTA/L, is a professional organizer with a background in pediatric and adult occupational therapy. Her intention is to help people of all ages and abilities to "Live Well in their Home".

Lisa's Website:

clarityhomeconsulting.com