Guest Post from Judy Valachovic, NAFDMA Board Member

Despite my natural reserve, I am compelled to ensure that others know their impact on me. One thing that truly brings me joy is writing notes and thank-yous, sometimes accompanied by a small token of appreciation.

After my first NAFDMA convention, I felt compelled to express my gratitude to everyone who shared their knowledge with me. I wanted them to know just how much their insights meant to me and how appreciative I was for their openness. It was then that I found out the power of a handwritten thank-you note. The impact those notes had on people was incredible. Even now, years later, some of these friends still mention those heartfelt messages written after that convention. I've always believed in showing people how much they mean to me, whether they've done something big or just a little something.

So, I've made it my mission to champion handwritten notes. It's not just about the words on paper; it's about forging a genuine connection. I’m probably in the minority in that I keep notecards and stamps at my house for regular use. I often send notes to my family, friends, and neighbors, as well as write work-related thank-you notes to brighten a day or put a smile on someone’s face. When fall comes around, you can bet I'll be pulling out my trusty pen. It's become a tradition of mine to send a heartfelt thank-you note to every one of our staff members expressing my appreciation. It's my way of saying, “I appreciate YOU and everything you do."

It's a small yet meaningful way to acknowledge their hard work, dedication, and contributions throughout the season. This tradition not only fosters a sense of appreciation within our team but also reinforces the importance of recognizing and valuing efforts. Sure, it's a lot of writing, but it's something that truly fills me with happiness and makes me feel special. It's my way of spreading a little kindness and making the people around me feel valued and appreciated.

-JUDY