“What would happen if everyone decided to dole out more gratitude?”
That’s the question that Highland Park resident, Ivan Levi asks in “Forever Thank You,” his newly released book which is meant to motivate readers to say thank you and appreciate those who have made or continue to make people’s lives better.
“The world needs more gratitude and the things that come along with it, including happiness, inner peace and goodwill,” said Levi, a gemologist, who has spent three decades working as a jewelry designer. “Gratitude lights up something inside you with good things like love, joy and passion.”
“Forever Thank You” is an 80-page, 13-chapter book that journals Levi’s inspirational stories of people he feels have made a difference in his life and the lives of others. Those he thanks include family and friends, mentors, coworkers, strangers, community members, military forces and spiritual leaders.
“So many people who are great don’t even realize that what they do is instinctive and important,” said Levi, who is also a professional speaker and strategic coach. “They deserve to be thanked and my hope is that readers will be inspired to do the same.”
Kevin Quigley is the owner of the Deerfield restaurant, Kevin’s Place, and was featured in the book for what Levi described as his “engaging, entertaining personality,” and “his ability to make people happy.”
“When Kevin takes or delivers an order, he also gives a generous helping of his spirit,” Levi said. “He gives gives gives gives.”
“I really don’t have customers, I have friends,” said Quigley, who has owned Kevin’s Place for 10 years. “People come in and say ‘I need a Kevin fix,’ and I try to help them. I don’t search for validation but when I found out I was in this book, I was euphoric. To feel appreciated that someone went out of his way to recognize what I do motivates me to keep doing it.”
Levi said he wants to make it easy for readers to express gratitude, which is why he included 24 tear-out thank you postcards at the end of the book.
“Handwritten notes are so much more appreciated than e-mails,” he said. “With a stamp and five minutes, you can send gratitude around the world.”
“When I got to the end and saw the postcards, I thought, ‘Brilliant,’” said Quigley, who is currently undergoing chemotherapy for cancer, and expressed his own gratitude for community members who have been cooking meals for him. “Even if you send out one postcard or just walk up to someone and give them a hug and say thank you, the goal of the book has been achieved.”
Levi said he came up with the idea for “Forever Thank You” when he realized that there was no gift or product that was made to say thank you and that was also inexpensive.
Five years ago, Levi did design a line of jewelry, also called Forever Thank You that consists of pendants and pins. The jewelry ended up in 60 stores across the country, and is still available on Levi’s website, www.foreverthankyou.com.
“Even the smallest acts of gratitude can be great ones that set off new and good energy,” Levi said. “It’s time to start thanking your everyday great people for their everyday great acts.”
“Forever Thank You” is available on amazon.com and at foreverthankyou.com.