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It's natural to want to feel appreciated and respected by others, to be seen as a person of worth and value. It's important to feel loved and accepted for our humanness. Who doesn't want that?
I recently received a very warm and loving email from a long-time subscriber who is moving into a new career (with great excitement!) She expressed her gratitude to me for being a source of inspiration and encouragement to her over the years. Boy, was her email timely! I had just ended an exhausting day and, as I read her words, I smiled and felt my heart lift. What a great gift! I had really needed a boost.
Have you ever been positively acknowledged for something? Can you recall a time when someone thanked you, congratulated you, or complimented you for something you did or because you're a great person? Has someone ever confessed, admitted or owned something that was meaningful to you - something you needed to see, hear or receive? What made the acknowledgement important to you? How did you feel?
Here's two examples:
1) A client of mine took a marketing job for a new start-up company. Realizing it takes about 3-6 months to feel comfortable in a new job, she felt pressure to prove herself quickly. When she was called in to her boss's office after a meeting, she was delighted to receive congratulations and acknowledgement for her marketing progress. Being recognized and appreciated for her efforts was a boost to her confidence and motivation.
2) Have you ever made a mistake and were too embarrassed to fess up? Your mistake might have negatively affected someone else or even a relationship. You may have tried to cover it up or ignore it, in the hopes it would just disappear. Did it? If you owned up to your mistake, what happened? If you're still keeping it a secret, how's it working for you?
Expressing sincere acknowledgement is a way we make heart connections with people to form meaningful relationships. Whether through appreciation or to set the record straight, acknowledgement builds trust and safety.
Consider these questions:
1. What personal or business relationship might be improved by a gesture of appreciation?
2. What do you appreciate and acknowledge about yourself?
3. Is there anything you might be holding onto that needs to be cleared or cleaned up?
In the next 30 days, take at least one action of acknowledgement. Watch what happens!
Copyright © Lorraine Cohen, 2005. All Rights Reserved. This article may be reproduced or transmitted in its entirety only, including this copyright line.
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