Acknowledgments matter

What would happen to the way we view ourselves if we heard more from other people about the positive impact we have on them?

It’s not uncommon for people to think, “I’m not good enough”, “I don’t matter”, “I’m not loveable”. Those thoughts all come from our perceptions of how others view us and in turn, how we view ourselves.

For many of us, receiving criticisms, complaints or other negative messages is not uncommon. Somehow, it seems easier to comment on what’s not working than what is.  Sincere messages of positive impact are spoken less frequently, and yet those are so powerful, motivational, and gratifying to hear.

For many years, I worked for a mentoring program with teens who faced numerous hardships and often saw themselves in a negative light. We ended each year with a completion celebration. During the celebration, each mentor acknowledged their student for the impact that student had on the mentor’s life.

Often I would hear a mentor tell a student that the mentor was inspired by the student’s courage. The mentors had witnessed first hand the many obstacles and challenges the students faced.  Mentors were in awe of their teen’s resilience, accomplishments, and strength.

The mentors gained tremendous respect for their students, recognizing that if their teen could continue to make such progress, the adults too could achieve what they had previously thought was impossible.  I loved watching the students receive the acknowledgment. The teens, typically, had no idea they had such a powerful influence on their adult friend. The smile on their face and the pride they displayed were and continue to be touching and memorable.

Most of the young people in our programs were discouraged and felt defeated. For them to hear that they positively impacted someone else’s life had a noticeable effect on them. Acknowledgments can influence the view we have of ourselves.

How wonderful it would be to hear specific and sincere messages that validate our character and contributions. Our life experience is enriched by having people in our lives who appreciate and recognize our virtues.

Giving an acknowledgement is a huge gift to the person who receives the message.  The person who offers words of acknowledgment often enjoys the experience just as much as the person who receives them.

Who in your life makes a difference to you – by their welcoming greeting, hard work, creative thinking, thoughtfulness, listening ear?  Have you been appreciated by an employer who truly valued your contribution?  What was the impact on you?  Have you appreciated a fellow staff member? What was their reaction?

My hope is that those of you who read this blog will take action to appreciate individuals in your life for something they do or for the qualities they possess. Who is the person you will acknowledge today?  I’d love to hear about your experiences with acknowledgments.

Thank you for reading my blog. Please share your thoughts, comments, and reactions.

Welcome to Moving Messages!

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