"At times our own light goes out and is rekindled by a spark from another person. Each of us has cause to think with deep gratitude of those who have lighted the flame within us." -- Albert Schweitzer (1875-1965) Medical missionary, Nobel Peace Prize winner
This week, I left a professional organization I'd been very involved with for 3 years. After my final meeting, several members thanked me for ways I had contributed to their lives. It felt good. It made me realize that caught up in my day-to-day business, I don't acknowledge others' contributions to my life enough. And they need to hear it.
Something to consider:
Wherever you are, you didn't get there alone. When you were lost, down, or out, someone sparked your thinking and helped show you the way. Take the time to thank these people. Oftentimes they don't even know what they've done. When you let them know how they contributed to your life, you contribute to theirs.
Something to try:
1. Who has contributed to your life significantly in the past 5 years?
2. Send them a note or take them to lunch.
3. Let them know how they've helped you and why you appreciate them.
4. Recognize that you don't have to wait until something is over to thank someone.
Question: How do you acknowledge others?
Related Stories: | Topics:, Albert Schweitzer, Nobel Peace Prize |
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Recent Comments | 6 Total
June 8, 2005 at 9:25am by Biz Blogs
One way to show your thankfullness is to invite her for a family-dinner or movie-night@your home. I think it's a good way to say thank you.
Maybe a bit too personal for some of us if the relationship is strongly business-related?
And of course, always let them know that because of their help you are always ready to help them. It makes a warm feeling, guaranteed.
June 8, 2005 at 10:37am by jim wilde
Lately, I've been tied to my software blogging biz - ideascape. But there are people contributing ideas via blogs that spark my imagination and I blog about it or take them to lunch (live near nyc) or send an email or a thank you note. So much today is taken for granted!
June 8, 2005 at 2:24pm by Wendy Johnson
Great ideas and perfect for those pursuing a servant-leadership model. I know that I personally struggled for years with being more proactive because of some strong internal struggles. I wrote a blog about that after reading yours. Thanks!
June 8, 2005 at 6:46pm by Kelleen
Don't put it off. There's no reason not to tell someone you appreciate them right then and there. I think we don't it because of pride and/or embarassement. If you realize what a help they've been, don't wait - you may never get the chance again to say thank you.
June 10, 2005 at 2:03am by Karthik
Taking time to thank others who have helped you to achieve some thing is very important. It gives the other person a seance of satisfaction and will strengthen the relationship. It does not matter how you express your gratitude as long as you express it.
January 30, 2006 at 7:51pm by Vic
Slow it down: too fast, too good:) Perfect.