Why ‘Thank You’ may be our most underused superpower

Today, January 11, is International Thank You Day, a date that quietly slips by each year with far less fanfare than it deserves.

Unlike the fireworks of New Year’s Day or the grandeur of national holidays, this day invites us to reflect on the most universal, yet most neglected, expression of human decency: gratitude.

In a world consumed with progress, performance, and power, saying “thank you” often feels like an afterthought, a reflexive politeness rather than a deliberate act. But what if we’ve underestimated the power of those two simple words? What if a culture of intentional gratitude could change not just relationships, but entire communities?

The art of expressing thanks is rooted in more than good manners; it’s an ancient social glue that binds people together. From the earliest human tribes to modern societies, gratitude has been linked to trust, cooperation, and empathy – the very traits that foster lasting relationships.

In workplaces, gratitude boosts morale and engagement. In families, it deepens bonds. Yet, surveys consistently show that people rarely feel adequately appreciated.

Why is it so hard to say “thank you”? The reasons are many: a fast-paced culture that prioritises efficiency over connection, a fear of vulnerability in admitting reliance on others, and the misconception that gratitude requires grand gestures rather than everyday acknowledgements.

We are living through times of immense social, environmental, and political challenges. Burnout is at an all-time high, and many people feel unseen, undervalued, and overwhelmed.

The irony? While technological advances have connected us more than ever, emotional connections have frayed. A culture of entitlement and transactional relationships has quietly replaced a culture of gratitude.

Imagine a different world: one where leaders thank their teams openly, neighbours express appreciation for acts of kindness, and children grow up in schools where gratitude is not just taught but practised.

These are not utopian dreams – research from psychologists like Dr Robert Emmons shows that practising gratitude rewires the brain for happiness and resilience. Gratitude can be a buffer against anxiety and depression, a way to reclaim joy even in difficult times.

‘THANK YOU’ IS NOT A COURTESY; IT’S A CURRENCY

The most radical spin on International Thank You Day is to see it not as a day of simple niceties, but as a call to action. Gratitude, when intentional, becomes a form of activism – a rebellion against cynicism and indifference.

A handwritten thank-you note to a teacher, a heartfelt message to a frontline worker, or public recognition of unsung heroes are small acts with monumental impact.

Gratitude also challenges systems of power. When we highlight and thank those who are often invisible – domestic workers, caregivers, janitors, and others whose contributions are overlooked – we shift the narrative of whose labour is valued. Gratitude transforms from a private sentiment to a public declaration of justice.

On this International Thank You Day, challenge yourself to go beyond the easy “thanks” you say without thinking. Reflect on the last time you truly felt gratitude and acted on it. Consider the people in your life whose efforts have shaped your success, happiness, or growth.

But don’t stop at reflection. Make gratitude visible. Thank someone who isn’t expecting it. Thank someone who might be struggling. Write it. Speak it. Share it. Let your gratitude ripple outward because, in a thankless world, one sincere expression of thanks can be revolutionary.

As we celebrate this often-overlooked holiday, let us remember: “thank you” is not a courtesy; it’s a currency. It is how we invest in human connection, resilience, and hope. And perhaps, as we learn to say it more often, we’ll find that gratitude is the superpower we never knew we had.

So, thank you. For reading. For thinking. And maybe, for starting a quiet revolution today.

Leroy Fearon is the Acting Dean, Faculty of Education, The Mico University College, author and researcher. Email feedback to: leroyfearon85@gmail.com and editorial@gleanerjm.com