Someone told me yesterday that I write beautifully
Not long ago, they implemented a Slack channel at my job dedicated to writing messages of appreciation for other people’s work.
Some leave thank-you notes when someone covers for them on their days off, others highlight the team’s performance in client meetings, celebrate sales, or simply praise the creative work of those of us in that area.
Yesterday someone posted part of my work, highlighting one particular piece and saying how much they liked it. Within the thread, other people praised it too; one of them told me that I “write beautifully”, and it felt good.
I don’t think it’s about validation or ego, but rather about the effect that recognizing something good in others has. It creates a chain effect of positivity.
Something as simple as this got me thinking about how rarely we acknowledge the people around us. In fact, it feels a little strange when someone recognizes us, but even stranger is deliberately taking the step to recognize others.
I think this initiative is a very good one, even if many don’t take advantage of it. Personally, I’ve shown my appreciation on a few occasions, but honestly, it hasn’t become a habit. And today I seriously asked myself why.
Why is it hard for me (or for us) to publicly appreciate what others do?
For now, I don’t have an answer. In fact, this post was originally going to be about how much I like my current job and how fortunate I feel.
In the past, I’ve written with resentment about other work experiences I’ve had, and although I had my reasons, I think it’s important to start changing that narrative and appreciate what I have in the present.
I’ve never had a job where I felt this comfortable and satisfied. Today, that’s my reality. What happened yesterday is an excellent example of why I feel good in this place, and I don’t need to say more.
Don’t get me wrong: work is still work to me. But what better than feeling comfortable for the next 35 years.1
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