Retired Los Angeles Superior Court Judge

Dear John,

This letter — from start to finish — has been eleven years in the making.

You, dear wonder of a human, are the single reason I am about to complete an improbable goal set soon after reading A Simple Act of Gratitude back in 2014. When I address, stamp, tuck in this origami, then walk to the post office up the street and slip the sealed envelope into the slot, that intention will be complete.

Because this letter marks the 10,000th time since closing your book that I’ve sent a handwritten thank-you note.

And what better person to share this milestone with than the one who offered the inspiration that spilled into my growing love for all that is right with humanity? All of this from embracing your suggestion that we act on impulses of kindness — even one person at a time.

So here’s to another aspiration: to meet you one day, extend my arms in a hug of appreciation, and then into a bow of gratitude from my heart to yours.

Thank you,
Ellen

Judge Kralik,

Thank you for taking time out of your busy day to officiate our wedding! We really appreciate it & are very excited to have you as part of our big day. We know it’s not much, but Alice told us you were big on words of gratitude, so… here’s a big THANK YOU from us!

– Grateful Reader

Dear John,

A personal “thank you” for writing a book that has changed my life and inspired me to look for people and things to be grateful for. I have started a list of thank you notes to keep me looking for those opportunities to acknowledge the people who bless me, and a thanks to God for placing them in my life.
With gratitude,

Inspired Reader

Dear Mr. Kralik,

Thank you very much for sending me an autographed copy of your book. It was a wonderful surprise that really made my day! Life can be so complex that sometimes we forget the fundamentals. Your book is a reminder of what is really important.

Again, thank you very much!