Appreciation goes a long way

It’s the pits to feel unappreciated, when you feel you have given it your all, and no one notices. When we feel that way, it is usually only a specific person or group of people we care about noticing. Sometimes it is a spouse, or a supervisor. Sometimes it is others, like co-workers or neighbors.

This feeling sometimes comes because of envy or resentment, but more often we get that feeling because others are just in their own little worlds and just flat don’t notice. If you are in that situation, and you are really doing good things, take heart. In time, it will be noticed, and it will be noticed in a big way. Selfless acts are never for nothing. The rewards are not in how people notice what you do. The true benefit is in what you are doing and how it comes back to you to make you a better person.

That said, appreciation goes a long way. We all need to notice others for what they do, big or small. When you notice others and compliment them, showing them appreciation, it creates in them the drive to do more good things. It takes so little from us to compliment others, and it does create a more harmonious life for us.

This week, The Madera Tribune was honored by Togo’s, in an act of random kindness, as the owner, Jose Carrillo, brought our office lunch on Monday. It was wonderful! He brought enough sandwiches for everyone, and he told us he appreciated what we do here.

Every day, I come into this office at the Tribune, and know the staff will do an awesome job today. I know it, but I am never sure others know it. For the employees who get out and into the city, like Tyler and Wendy, the folks know them and know what they do, but we have a larger staff of wonderful people who are unsung heroes to me. I appreciate every one of them, and I hope they know it.

There are so many small acts we can do to aid in the peace and harmony of a group. While we know we cannot change others (we can change only ourselves), we can choose to go, perhaps, against our own grain and make a commitment to be kind. Think of others and how they may feel. Even if the person is abrasive and hard to tolerate, would he or she be taken aback at your act of random kindness? What would happen?

Show appreciation to others, even those who are hard to appreciate. It will do you a lot of good. Kindness is contagious. Smiles are contagious. Goodness is contagious. If you envy someone because they are out in the community doing good things, think of something unusual you can do to better their deed. Hmmm. Sounds like a contest.

Have a great weekend!

— My love to all,

Nancy

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But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance: against such there is no law.

— Galatians 5:21-22