Thank You, it’s good for your health…!

Having spent some quality time with family and taking a little break, I recently received a lovely letter from a 7 year old boy! He was given a Jigsee (from the encouragement category) for his birthday and loved it. I was so happy to hear that and it brought a smile to my face. However, I was surprised when I received a handwritten note telling me to keep up the good work! The thought, time and effort it took this little boy to write it is truly amazing and I am deeply thankful. His thank you has given me the encouragement I need to continue developing Jigsee. It affirms the whole mission and concept of why I started this journey in the first place.

This wonderful letter reminded me of the great research and work by Barbara L. Fredrickson who is a pioneer in the area of positive psychology and happiness. She emphasises how acts of kindness, no matter how small, have a positive impact on our wellbeing. Simple gestures such as a smile, saying hello, please and thank you, even towards strangers have been shown to have benefits for our health. It turns out that these gestures are good for our heart and mind. Tt helps to combat loneliness and increases our sense of wellbeing and happiness. I was astonished to hear this. To think that an hello and a smile from a stranger in a shop or on the street could have so many health benefits, not only for the receiver i but also the giver. I can see the science now behind good old fashioned manners! Looks like it is being well and truly practiced by the little boy who sent me a thank you note who is giving and receiving joy and ultimately gesture by gesture, making the world a happier place! Thank you.