At breakfast this morning, Hannah (almost 1) was toddling around the kitchen. She's a scavenger. Likes to pick up everything and either taste it or throw it. She had a small ziploc bag she was toting around and I tried to take it (since it's not exactly a kid-friendly toy). She didn't like that plan so she started moving and I followed her. She makes her way over to the garbage and tries to put it in there so the whole family cheers for her. When it fell out, she grabbed it again and handed it to me so we cheered for her again. Her face lit up and she spent the next few minutes wandering around, clapping her hands trying to get us to cheer, clap and scream for her again (and of course we obliged).
I tell this story because we're all like Hannah, we just want to receive a little praise. One little compliment at just the right time can turn a day around in the same way hurtful words and actions can ruin a day.
I remember playing high school sports. There's something addictive about hearing stands full of people cheer for you and your team. There's no such thing as too many "atta boys" and "good jobs". They're like fuel and they can help drive you to do better. And it's ok to want to hear the praises of men.
There's just too many times churches and religious people don't even say thanks because they erroneously think that the rewards of heaven are enough for people. That's like expecting pastors to work for free because "their reward will be in heaven" or not telling your wife you love her because she oughta know since you married her. Come on. People can just be such idiots sometimes.
So lavish praise on people. People in your home, at work, in your neighborhood. Tell your kid's coach how much you appreciate them giving their time (even if your kid is sitting on the bench). Cheer for your spouse when they get home from work and just tell them, "I'm so glad you're home." They might think you're crazy or are setting them up for something else, but that just goes to show you don't do this kind of stuff enough. Write your son or daughter a short note telling them what you're proud about and then leave it in their purse or wallet for them to find later.
Celebrate the simple things (remembering something, making a bed, doing a favor, cleaning the kitchen, finishing a project, or just putting the toilet seat down). It doesn't have to be a huge catered party. It can just be loud cheering out in public (in front of their friends or co-workers who may look at you funny but inside are wishing someone cared enough about them to act like that). So go celebrate. Praise is powerful.
Monday, July 09, 2007
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1 comment:
hey, I hope you don't mind, but I am copying this blog and forwarding it to some people. I needed that reminder and I think others do too.
Hope all is well in your neck of the woods! I just got back from a week long children's camp. (I'm getting too old!)
there was a kid there that reminded me of Tyler!!
Valerie
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