One of my mom’s least favorite holidays was Mother’s Day. She wasn’t alone. The idea that a designated date was necessary to prompt gratitude and appreciation repulsed her.
Once, I tested her (unintentionally, of course). I forgot to call; I didn’t send a gift.
My mom’s response set me straight: No worries. A laugh. A plea to forget such trivialities. She knew then and now how much I appreciate her.
Which prompts the question: Am I consistently expressing my gratitude effectively, showing my better nature to everyone who’s important to me regardless of what day it is?
Who else will hear “thanks” from you this week?
Gratitude has a shelf life…or does it?
To all the mothers who taught so many lessons – on Mother’s Day and every day: thank you.
Well said….so often you hear employees say they hear when they are bad or something did not go right because of their actions but you never hear the thank you. I can honestly say that I hear thank you and words of appreciation alot but not from my superiors but from those other departments and visitors that I come in contact with.
Susan – thank you for your thoughts. While we all crave feedback for improvement, it’s most effective when we’re getting messages about what we’re doing well and where we are “on-the-path.” Thank you for acknowledging this and sharing your perspective on gratitude.
Susan, I agree and often wonder why it seems to be so easy for people to point out our faults yet more challenging to find the kind words of appreciation and acknowledgment. We’re all hungry for acknowledgment and affirmation of our potential, even if we’re not conscious of that need. It’s such a simple act, anyone can so easily do, in every interaction every day, that can make someone’s day, just by saying I appreciate you because…. We know you do this every day Sue and the impact goes further than you’ll ever know. Keep dropping those pebbles of appreciation! And keep smiling, its contagious.
All too often, persons in leadership positions forget to thank people for a jobs well done. A simple “thank you” goes a long way to build or maintain moral.
Darwin, thanks for this reminder. As I think about the importance of this, I am reminded to be sincere and specific in my “thank you’s”. I know that you are building and developing those around you as you acknowledge them for their contributions.