Kindness: 100 Gratitudes, An Interview with Neena Munjal

As we mentioned in our post last week, we have had the absolutely joy of being found on Etsy by Neena Munjal. Neena reached out to us about a month ago sharing her project with us and asking if she could buy cards in bulk. With such an amazing mission in mind we were eager to support her.

Just this past Friday Neena completed her challenge of sending out 100 gratitudes by September 19th. We had the chance to ask her about her journey and she so graciously shared the answers below.

Tell us a little bit about yourself (anything you'd like to share, where you live, what you do for work, how you spend your free time etc.)

I’m just me, a 40 something, who lives in the beautiful city of Chicago. Love my family, friends and most of all laughter. I also enjoy meditating and concentrate on gratitude! Big believer in paying it forward. One of my biggest involvements is charities, specifically Make-A-Wish Illinois and EB Research Partnership.

What made you decide to send 100 gratitudes?

On July 5, I came across a video that changed my life: 100 Thank You’s. I’ve been inspired to thank 100 people that have impacted my life. What I didn’t imagine is that there are far more than 100 people who have touched my heart. By September 19th, I’ve committed to thanking 100+ people by sending them personal thank you cards – and there’s a little surprise in each one that will touch everyone’s heart. As I embark on this journey, I’ll share messages and pictures through this post. #gratitudegrows

What were you considering when you were looking for a thank you card for this project?

I did a search on Etsy for the words: gratitude and kindness. There was something about your particular card that I was instantly drawn to. I can see why now – as you both (Kate and Isabel) are amazing individuals and I see this becoming a great partnership in the future!

Life can be so busy. How have you made time for this project? Do you have an established routine like writing one gratitude a day?

I’ve chosen to divide it up in two sends – one in July and one now in August. The goal is to have 100 finished by my birthday, September 19. When practicing gratitude – there is no time limit. The time came to me!

What has been the most gratifying part of this journey?

Reading everyone’s responses. Very heartfelt. Brought some tears on my end and my friends.

Has anything surprised you about this journey?

People’s reactions. Especially people whom I haven’t spoken to in a long time. Everyone is posting pictures of their cards on social media and leaving touching messages with the hashtag - #gratitudegrows

We noticed that you include a note inside the card. Can you tell us a little bit about that enclosure?

I have included the messages that I created for each person on little notecards. With this enclosure my friends can read about how/why I am grateful for all 100 people. It gives them a little insight – on gratitude and the people in my life. I am thanking everyone from my car mechanic, to my barristas, to my mom and dad.

You have pledged 100 gratitudes by September 19th. Do you plan to incorporate aspects of this in your daily life once this project is complete?

I want to wake up with a grateful heart every day. Thank people every day. It’s a simple thing to do and “thank you” goes a long way. It's so important to let the people in your life know how much you appreciate them.

Do you have any recommendations for people who would like to do something like this in the future?

Be creative and sit and think it through. I have far more than a 100 people I would like to thank. It’s a project that does not have to be done immediately. Put a thoughtful mind to something like this. You will have no regrets.

Thank you so very much Neena for sharing all of this with us. You can follow the rest of Neena’s journey on her blog and by using #gratitudegrows.

In honor of Neena’s 100 gratitudes we are offering a pre-order discount for a set of 6 kindness cards (click here to shop).

Do you have any gratitude practices in your life? We'd love to hear about them.