Even the smallest gestures can leave the biggest impact. Catherine Zeta-Jones discovered this truth years ago when she received an unexpected voicemail from Drew Barrymore... a message so meaningful that she saved it and replayed it countless times whenever she needed encouragement.

During the season six premiere of The Drew Barrymore Show in September 2024, Zeta-Jones publicly shared this touching story, revealing how Barrymore's kind words became a treasured source of comfort during challenging moments. What struck her most wasn't just what Drew said, but that she took the time to say it at all. And here's the remarkable part: Barrymore had no idea her message had meant so much until Zeta-Jones told her years later.

"I've never shared this with anybody... I think you were unaware of what goodness you exuded and such kindness," Zeta-Jones told Barrymore on the show. "You left me the most glorious, uplifting, positive, woman-to-woman message that I kept for years and would play when I felt a little gloomy."

This story beautifully illustrates something we often forget in our busy lives... our words have power we may never fully realize. A thoughtful message, whether spoken or written, can become someone's lifeline on a difficult day.

We're often quick to assume that successful, accomplished people don't need our encouragement. After all, what could our simple message possibly mean to someone who seems to have it all figured out?

But here's the catch: everyone, regardless of their achievements, status, or confidence, needs to know they matter. Everyone appreciates hearing why they're valued, admired, or loved. The people who appear strongest are often carrying invisible burdens that kind words can help lighten.

Catherine Zeta-Jones is an Academy Award-winning actress with decades of success, yet Drew Barrymore's voicemail became one of her most treasured possessions. That tells us something profound about human nature... we all need reminders that we're seen, appreciated, and valued.

Barrymore herself was stunned by the revelation. "I didn't know," she responded when Zeta-Jones shared the story.

It's profound to think a small act of kindness we do just might be something we barely remember... and yet it could become unforgettable to the person who receives it.

How many times have you thought something kind about someone but never expressed it? Perhaps you admired a colleague's presentation skills, appreciated a friend's unwavering support, or felt grateful for your parent's sacrifices. These thoughts are lovely, but left unspoken, they can't make the difference they're meant to make.

As the renowned author Maya Angelou once said, "People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

The Barrymore-Zeta-Jones story reminds us that sharing our appreciation doesn't require grand gestures or perfect timing. Barrymore had originally called about a project she was producing, but took the extra moment to share genuine, heartfelt words of encouragement. That spontaneous addition to a business call created a lasting impact precisely because it was genuine.

Creating Your Own Lasting Messages

Here's what makes expressions of appreciation truly meaningful:

Be specific. Rather than generic praise, share exactly what you admire or appreciate. Zeta-Jones noted that Barrymore's message wasn't just "Oh baby, oh baby, oh baby"... it was substantial, specific, and spoke to her as a friend and equal. Instead of "you're great," try "the way you handled that difficult situation with such grace really inspired me."

Share the impact. Explain how someone's actions, qualities, or presence have affected your life. "Your encouragement during my career transition gave me the confidence to take that leap" means so much more than "thanks for your support."

Make it permanent. Unlike fleeting conversations, written messages or recorded words become keepsakes people can return to whenever they need reassurance. This is why Zeta-Jones could replay Barrymore's voicemail again and again... it was there whenever she needed it.

Speak woman to woman, person to person. As Zeta-Jones emphasized, what made the message powerful was that Barrymore spoke to her "as a friend," with genuine connection rather than superficial pleasantries. Authentic appreciation recognizes someone's full humanity.

Don't wait for the perfect moment. The best time to share appreciation is simply when you feel it. Those spontaneous messages often resonate most because they're authentic rather than obligatory.

If you're looking to create something lasting for someone special in your life, consider gathering heartfelt messages from the important people in their world... much like how that single voicemail became one of Zeta-Jones's prized possessions.

The Ripple Effect of Kindness

What we love most about this story is the ripple effect it created. Years after leaving that voicemail, Barrymore discovered the profound impact her words had... which likely inspired her to continue spreading kindness. When Zeta-Jones publicly shared this story, it touched countless people who heard it, reminding them to express their own appreciation.

This is how kindness multiplies. One genuine message inspires another, which inspires another. Your words of appreciation don't just affect the recipient... they create a chain reaction of positivity that extends far beyond what you can see.

Imagine if sharing kind words became as natural as breathing. What if we regularly told the people in our lives exactly why they matter?

Start small. This week, reach out to one person who's made a difference in your life. Tell them specifically what you appreciate about them and how they've impacted you. Text, email, call, or write a handwritten note... your message will likely mean more than you realize.

You might never know when someone replays your words, finding strength in your encouragement. But isn't that a beautiful possibility?

So share them generously, share them genuinely, and share them now. Someone needs to hear what you have to say!

Inspired by this story? Make your words of appreciation last forever. With Woxbox, you can gather heartfelt messages from friends, family, and loved ones... all in one beautiful keepsake they can hold onto and revisit whenever they need a reminder of how loved they are.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Why is it important to express appreciation to others?
Expressing appreciation strengthens relationships, boosts the recipient's wellbeing and confidence, and creates positive ripple effects that extend beyond the immediate interaction. Research shows that feeling valued and appreciated is a fundamental human need that impacts mental health, motivation, and overall life satisfaction. When we share genuine words of appreciation, we help others see their positive impact on the world... and as Catherine Zeta-Jones's story demonstrates, even successful people treasure these messages deeply.

How can I make my words of appreciation more meaningful?
Make your appreciation specific by mentioning particular actions, qualities, or moments rather than giving generic compliments. Explain the actual impact the person has had on your life or others. Choose a format that creates a lasting record... written notes, voicemails or collected messages from multiple people that can be revisited. Drew Barrymore's voicemail resonated with Catherine Zeta-Jones because it was substantial, spoke to her "as a friend," and provided genuine woman-to-woman encouragement. Most importantly, be genuine and share from the heart rather than feeling obligated.

What if I'm not good with words or feel awkward expressing appreciation?
Start simple and be authentic... your sincerity matters far more than eloquence. You might begin with "I wanted you to know..." or "I've been thinking about how you..." and then share one specific thing you appreciate. Remember that most people aren't expecting poetry; they're simply touched that you took time to acknowledge them. Drew Barrymore admitted she's "a long-winded bag," yet her heartfelt message became Catherine Zeta-Jones's treasured keepsake. The more you practice expressing appreciation, the more natural it becomes.

Should I wait for a special occasion to share words of appreciation?
No, spontaneous appreciation often resonates most deeply because it feels genuine rather than obligatory. While occasions like birthdays or holidays provide natural opportunities, unexpected messages of appreciation can be even more powerful. Drew Barrymore's voicemail to Catherine Zeta-Jones was originally about a work project, but she took the extra moment to share genuine encouragement. When you feel gratitude or admiration for someone, that's the perfect moment to share it, regardless of the calendar.

How do I know if my words of appreciation will matter to someone successful or confident?
Everyone, regardless of their achievements or outward confidence, needs to feel valued and appreciated. The story of Catherine Zeta-Jones treasuring Drew Barrymore's voicemail despite her own Academy Award-winning success demonstrates this beautifully. Often, accomplished people receive professional recognition but may rarely hear personal appreciation for who they are rather than what they do. As Zeta-Jones herself said, even highly successful people experience moments when they feel "a little gloomy" and need uplifting words. Your genuine words of encouragement or gratitude will likely mean more than you imagine.

How can I preserve meaningful messages for someone I care about?
Creating a lasting collection of heartfelt messages allows someone to revisit words of encouragement whenever they need them... just as Catherine Zeta-Jones replayed Drew Barrymore's voicemail for years. You can gather written messages, record video or audio messages, or collect contributions from multiple people who care about the recipient. The key is making these messages permanent and accessible so they can provide comfort and reassurance long after they're first shared, becoming treasured keepsakes that remind someone how deeply they're valued.

About Woxbox: Our company is passionate about spreading kindness. So, whether you're here for the feel-good stuff, motivational tidbits, or you're like us and really believe in gifting kindness, we're thrilled to know you are reading along with us!