Gallery Of Gratitude | John Kralik

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!

“Dear John,
The Doc, the man, the myth, the legend, I hope this email reaches you!
There really is so much to unpack here but let me start off by saying thank you!
I am reading your book and I really enjoy it.
I take my time with it and read it when I have spare time.
I found your book at a Goodwill for 99 cents and I picked it up and really truly enjoy reading it and going through your heartfelt thoughts and messages to strangers who need to read them. I find your story encouraging and uplifting and just such a powerful message that we should be thankful for all things in life.

I recently went through a really intense and dark time in my life (with the law in Texas. Alcohol was involved, I got tazed 7 times, ended up on 10 years probation deferred thank god! So much more but I will spare you) but through it, I decided to follow Jesus and turn away from alcohol so that is something to be truly thankful for.

So here I was thinking about writing my own thank you notes and preparing to start writing to people and sending emails but not really doing it yet, and I received a letter from a lady named Jan from church! I never get letters! It was such a profound synchronicity that I could not ignore so I went to the nearest store, bought 2 pens, a notebook, and some envelopes.
So far I have only wrote 5 thank you notes (not including texts of gratitude to a few people) but I plan on writing many many more.

Every night before I go to sleep in the past few weeks, I say thank you to life/God/every molecule in my immediate presence and every morning I do the same. And then I found your book and boy, the inspiration is just wonderful and exciting!
The energy of gratitude has always been lingering but I believe I am now tapping into it in a much more potent way and your book is most definitely an incredibly beautiful inspiration John, so Thank You brother and may your heart be filled with peace and love, always and in all ways ❤️

I will finish reading your book soon and send another thank you note brother John but I couldn’t wait another second to type these thoughts out and send them to you!

God bless you!”

Anonymous

“Dear Mr. Kralik,

I recently finished reading your book, 365 Thank You’s, and I felt compelled to write to you.

For years I’ve been someone who loves sending birthday cards and small notes to people in my life, but somewhere along the way I found myself in a bit of a rut with my work in real estate. Your book found me at exactly the right moment. It was inspiring, heartfelt, and such a beautiful reminder of how powerful simple gratitude can be.

What struck me most was how something as small as a handwritten thank-you could change the course of a day, and even a life. Your story reminded me that meaningful connection doesn’t require grand gestures, just intention and sincerity.

When I finished the book, I actually felt a little sad because I didn’t want the journey to end. But more than that, I felt motivated. It made me want to show up differently, to notice the good around me, and to make a positive difference in the lives of the people I interact with every day.

Thank you for sharing such an honest and uplifting story. Your words truly made an impact on me. If you ever find yourself in Atlanta, I would love to meet the person who helped me find a “spark” in my intentions, while finding myself, who felt lost as well.

With sincere appreciation,”

Mindy Gregory

“John, I write this as I am crossing the New Mexico border to see family in Ruidoso.
The weather is beautiful and the music is sweet
I was astonished that you actually wrote back and it fills me with joy! But it only makes sense being the individual I perceive after finishing your book.
I had just finished writing my entire immediate family we are going to see right now thank you/love letters and lo and behold I get an email from you John right after I put the pen down!
It just blows me away how connected we all are in this life, its just so amazing and unbelievable!
I know when one is on the right path these synchronicities continue to show up in so many ways when one pays attention. Rather it be numbers or events, they present themselves often
Anyways, thank you for responding, and please send an address I can send a handwritten letter to.
So much love, so much respect for every breath!”