GRATITUDE MONTH: DAY 13: “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.”― Voltaire
I love to write letters to employers when they have an employee who is polite and good at what they do. I am free with this practice, because I want to focus on how well some people do their job. It is not a common occurrence, sadly. Seems to me that it is a virtue and practice seen less and less frequently in the current culture we inhabit.
This makes it ever more important to recognize when a person goes one step beyond their job description to offer kindness and courtesy. I make a call or write a letter whenever this happens. I often do it in front of the person and others, so they know it is appreciated by me.
If we spend more time in appreciation than we do in criticizing and complaining, we are going to be much happier people as well. I find that the more I do this, the more I have to appreciate.
Others respond well and are motivated to perform their work and in their lives more mindfully and with a greater deal of enthusiasm. We all grow taller and stronger in appreciation than we do in criticism. I know this feeling has been with me from times past. I remember the kindnesses and compliments in a better space than I do the abuse.
And then I become a better person as well. When I go out of my way to recognize and thank someone for being who they are and doing what they are doing with an extra bit of kindness, we all benefit. It is the foundation of many of the good relationships I have with others.
I want other people to recognize their good qualities, and shine a light on them, so they know that someone, somewhere is paying attention and cares. Isn’t that what we all want? I have found, and I am sure you all will recognize this, too, that we need to know that others are paying attention sometimes. It is so important.
Many people believe this is the foundation of raising healthy children. I believe this is the foundation of being a healthy person. And I know, too, that this is the basis of having healthier relationships with the world around me.
Dolphin Hug 