Power of appreciation

Appreciation is not common yet it is. Sometimes, you earn it the hard way and sometimes it chases you out of nowhere, leaving you feeling surprised and happy. Has it happened to you, ever? Have you appreciated somebody? Have you been given a piece of advice which you followed and a few days/months/year later it came back to you in the form of deep appreciation? Below are two different incidents from my life which helped me better appreciate the ‘Power of Appreciation’. 

Story -1

As a rule, we have a team lunch once a week at the HiEd Success. The atmosphere is pleasant and everyone shares their happy and not so happy times together. We also had an intern for whom it was the second team-lunch with us. I was impressed with how he had completed a project well before time and was excited about the next. In front of the entire team, I appreciated him and the team applauded to celebrate his achievement.  The lunch went well. 

Two days later, that intern walked up in my cabin and said he wanted to speak to me. As we began our conversation, he said: “Preeti, do you remember our team lunch? Since then I have been feeling more confident and energized to do my work. Every milestone looks achievable. Even after work, I feel good about myself in general. Since these two days, I’ve been in deep thought around this. Earlier I used to do work but never got recognized. In my personal life too, no matter what good I did, no one ever seemed to notice. Your words of appreciation that day made a huge difference – made me feel good about myself. And now, I’m a better person. Thank you.” 

Smiling, I pointed him towards a wall, where the first letter of referral from my first employer was hanging, I said – “That was my appreciation from my first ever employer, which helped me a long way to be here, sitting as an entrepreneur before you today. I complimented you because you deserved it. Only when you feel good about working here with us at HiEd, you will do good. I’m so proud of you. Keep up the spirit and do great in life.”

Story 2

I was the kind of person who only had white, grey and browns in my closet, for office and daily wear. No bright or pastel colors, whatsoever. During one of the parties when I was out with my husband, I met a friend after a very long time. Catching up with her after a long time was quite a pleasant surprise. She told me how she had made her passion for photography as a part-time job and is thoroughly enjoying it. Between the conversations, she casually asked me, Preeti, you know red would suit you so much and will make you look picture-perfect. I thought to myself – Does she even know what she’s saying. I don’t think red would suit me and neither I’m picture-perfect. The party ended on a good note but this thought blew me away for the next couple of days.

Gathering courage, I went shopping, picked up a few different colored dresses including blue, red, pink, green and decided to wear them over the next few days. I was apprehensive at first but had made up my mind. 

It was a Monday morning that day and I decided to wear red to office, unsure if what I was doing was right. I met a colleague of mine at the parking lot and he said, Hey Preeti, you’re looking pretty in red. My confidence and body language felt at ease, though I was still feeling shy about going to the office and face everyone. During the day, as many colleagues and friends complimented me, I started feeling better. We clicked a few pictures and I decided to post them on social media. 

A week later, more than a hundred ‘likes’ and a lot of comments and calls from my close friends and family who were happy to see the new me dazzled up in pretty colors.  From someone who never had more than 30 likes, a hundred ‘likes’ felt an achievement. 

Though I don’t seek social media validation for being myself but the fact that colors suit me and that I decided to act upon a small suggestion given by a friend casually helped me immensely to appreciate myself and feel more confident within. I sometimes ponder, what if I hadn’t taken it seriously and lived with my apprehensions. 

Long story short, it’s been more than 12+ years and I’ve grown as a person, personally and professionally and have come to better appreciate the good in life. Colors are now a part of my life, ever since. 

KEY TAKEAWAYS FROM THESE TWO INCIDENTS

1. When at work or at home, if you like anything about anyone, feel free to appreciate them in-person or in front of people or your team. You never know what it could mean to another person.
2. You don’t have to wait for anyone’s appreciation to feel good. Sometimes, adopting a small change over a continuous period of time is all that you need. Stick to it; seek help from a professional or your mentor that certainly helps.
3. Only when you feel good, you do good. 
4. Sometimes, look yourself in the mirror and compliment yourself.

You can choose to write to me or leave a comment here about your thoughts on this important yet one of the most neglected subjects. You may also share your experience or a habit that has helped you over time. I’m excited to know.