remember to thank the most important person
A friend offers us a gift; we express appreciation. Someone does us a favor; we’re grateful. We thank cashiers, clerks, postal workers, servers, and family members. When it comes to gratitude, I’d venture to guess that most of us have pretty good manners. But I’m wondering, how many of us appreciate ourselves?
Do you remember to thank yourself for the efforts you make to better your life? I hope so. You deserve to be acknowledged.
Several years ago I was ordering flowers to send to my mother-in-law. She loves flowers, and I love to give a gift someone loves. Hanging up the phone I thought, “I really love roses, too”. Now, don’t get me wrong, my husband is wonderful about bringing me flowers – special occasions or not – but I really wanted flowers that day. So I picked up the phone and placed my order. When the clerk asked what I wanted the card to read, I was unprepared. (I didn’t want to reveal that I was sending flowers to myself). What could I say, hmm… It wasn’t my birthday or anniversary. My baby was almost three. I was healthy as an ox, so a get well message would also be off base. I was on the spot.
The words, “Thank you” popped into my head. So I asked the clerk to send a card to Judith that said, “Thank you for being you”, and signed it, “From, Someone Special”.
I hung up the phone and thought about what I’d just done. At first I felt a little embarrassed, hoping no one would find out. And then I thought – now wait a minute… I’m really glad I’m me. I’m not perfect, but I really appreciate who I am despite the mistakes I make, or my shortcomings. Never mind my big hips and my slow metabolism, my naivety or poor math skills – I really like who I am!
Others may not like me, but I appreciate things about myself that really matter to me. And since that day, I periodically celebrate my self appreciation with a gift, or a treat, or time to myself. I also mark occasions when I step out of the box and go the extra mile, like my first firewalk and the time I rappelled 200 feet into a dark cave. Every time I look at those objects, I feel good about myself and the action I took to move my life forward.
So I’ll ask again, do you thank yourself for being you, or for the efforts you make to better your life – for your courage, kindness, commitment, or whatever? If not, remember to do so this Thanksgiving Season. You are someone special! You are uniquely you, and you deserve a pat on the back now and then!
Judith Cassis, C.Ht. is available for keynote speaking, lectures and workshops. For information, please call Lee Cadena Media, 310-800-8337.
Wonderful story. I love that you sent roses to yourself. You deserve it, and so does everyone reading this! Happy Thanksgiving, Judith.