Yesterday I was typing away at what I thought was going to be this week's blog post, when I heard a knock at my front door.
2:45pm? Who can this be? It's too early for my kids to be home from school. And they wouldn't be knocking on the front door.
While I work out of my home office, I don't generally answer the door during work hours. But since I wasn't expecting anyone or anything (and since the blog post I was working on wasn't really going anywhere), I thought maybe I should check it out.
I opened the door and there was a long green box. From a florist.
Huh.
It's not my birthday. Not even close.
It's not my anniversary.
It's Wednesday. Just a Wednesday.
My brain can't figure it out, so I open the box.
A huge spray of purple orchids. Wow. Oh my. They're beautiful.
Who's it from?
I open the card, and it's from my business coach. Congratulating me on a big success I had last week.
I'm speechless, and nearly had to sit down. Tears came to my eyes, but I carefully carry the precious buds to the kitchen to put them in their accompanying vase.
This stunning display of color, beauty and generosity made a huge impression on me (and not just because it's been below 0 degrees F where I live for the last three days).
Generosity. Authenticity. Beauty. Gratitude. All values of mine, all reflected in Jenny's amazing generous acknowledgement of me. (And she can't have known my favorite color is purple)
What does my story have to do with you?
Acknowledgment matters. A lot.
Most people (e.g., your employees, your spouse, your children, the grocery clerk, your waitress, etc.) are hungering to be seen, known for who they are, and acknowledged for their efforts.
It doesn't have to be flowers. A simple thank you will do. It's all about your recipient.
Giving regular authentic and meaningful acknowledgment of those around you is a powerful tool for good.
Know that you can shift a person's whole day (or possibly their whole life) with a simple recognition of the smallest (or largest) contributions.
And so dear reader, in the delight and spirit of this unanticipated bouquet of flowers on a freezing day in winter, I want to acknowledge and thank you.
Whether or not we've ever met in person, if you're reading this, I know that you're someone who cares about your world, big time.
You make meaningful contributions to the world, and you have a huge heart.
And you're making a difference, every day, in both large and small ways: in what you do and how you be.
Thank you for doing that, your version of making a difference, for me. For us. For the world.
And I'm so grateful and honored if my work might help you do more of what you are here on earth to do.
So thank you, Jenny Shih, and you my readers, for believing in me and what I'm wanting to create in the world.
In the comments below, I'd love to hear from you:
– Who in your world needs your acknowledgment today? (hint: everyone!)
If you enjoyed this article, get email updates…. it's free!
Before specializing as a professional coach in 2004, I spent more than a decade in leadership, management and program development for state and local government and non-profit organizations. Now I get to help leaders and teams have more clarity and ability to stand up for what's important in their work and in their organizations. Working with me, leaders and teams find more meaning and purpose, feel happier and more confident, navigate change and conflict, and work together better.
This is such a beautiful reminder. How great must it be to have such stunning flowers on such a cold day! This post has inspired me to spend more attention to sincerely connecting with other and being a real part of their journey. I needed this inspiration today, thank you!
That’s great, Natasha – thanks for commenting!
I had lunch today with a dear friend who was feeling deeply unappreciated by her boss. To the point where she is considering retiring early. She is a dedicated worker who puts her heart into her work everyday. She is really discouraged right now. It is a relatively simple act to acknowledge a person’s contribution. Yet it is all too rare. So thank you dear Hanna for acknowledging us and reminding me to practice this more often.
In gratitude,
Grace
Grace, so true that acknowledgement is rare – and yet so critical! Love if the post has inspired you – I’m noticing how the benefits of acknowledgement can spread, almost like a positivity virus! Grateful for you, Miss Grace!
I am someone who will fight my corner/ stick up for myself etc. if I feel someone is taking advantage.
But over the years I have tried really hard to make sure that I acknowledge the good stuff – the excellent service, the extra mile , the person who just appears happy to be doing what they do rather than just grunting at me. It always seems to make an appreciable difference to that person. Whether that is for a moment or longer, I rarely know, but sometimes I find out that people are just amazed to be acknowledged let alone thanked. It REALLY is worth it and not just to them, but to me too
Alison, I love that you are finding that in addition to the amazing results for those receiving the acknowledgment, that there is benefits for the giver too! Thanks so much for adding your voice & comments to the discussion!
This is absolutely wonderful and reminds me of The Happiness Advantage. The book/concept proposes that we can change our thought patterns by practicing one of five things every day: 1) Exercise 2) Journaling the best thing that happened that day 3) WRITING down three new gratitudes 4) Meditation and 5) Unprovoked act of kindness.
Clearly, I am thinking of your flowers for number 5. I try to send random thank you emails, acknowledgment letters, and gifts like these. I think it makes me feel as good as those who receive the gifts.
Congratulations!
Congratulations on your success and sharing such wonderful recognition! It is especially lonely as an entrepreneur. There isn’t anyone to take a look at that report/website/program/service and say – good grief, that is a fantastic bit of work, well-done. The acknowledgement your coach gave you will surely have ever-widening ripples as you are sharing your own acknowledgements. Can’t wait to see the next success! <3
Thanks, Emily! This lovely gift certainly has made me want to up my own ante with acknowledgement! Love the list you offered too – great reminder of the importance of self care as well as paying attention to what is happening around us! Thanks for the comments!
Thanks, Heidi! So true that we all need a little reminder every once in a while! : )