There is nothing that feels better than someone coming up to you, looking you in the eye, and sincerely telling you that you did a good job. It is human nature to crave approval from those around us and positive affirmation goes a long way.
It had been a long, hard day and I was feeling insecure about my abilities and the outcomes of my 12 hour shift. High tension-high stress days can do that. I was ready to clock out and hang up the stethoscope for the night when the charge nurse stopped me to say thanks and proceeded to sincerely affirm my work for the day. It could not have come at a better time. I don't know if she'll ever know how much I needed that on that particular evening.
When was the last time you told someone they did a good job? When was the last time you complemented someone on what they were doing or simply who they are? We live in a culture that constantly beats us down and tells us we should be better, that we should be something other than who we are.
What if we practiced affirming each other and building a culture that appreciates who each one of us is as an individual and what we bring to the table? Try it sometime. Make it sincere and meaningful, but don't be afraid to tell someone that you appreciate them or something they did. If it makes your day, imagine how many days you can make by being mindful of the work of those around you.
Work, school, friends, family...whose work do you take for granted? That would be a good place to start.
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