An eye on the prize
Cindy on February 24th, 2009
There are two things people want more than sex and money — recognition and praise. –Mary Kay Ash
Everyone’s talking about the Oscars this week — the clothes, the stars, “the winners.” And over at Whole Latte Life, Joanne DeMaio recently asked what it means to be rewarded, honored, or crowned in some way for the work we do. She got me thinking.
A few years ago, when my son was a child, he heard me talking about the annual press awards for local newspaper writing. A couple of days later he presented me with a “World’s Best Mom” certificate that he’d made with his crayons and markers. I think I was working a little too hard at my writing career in those days. So that handmade “award” from my son was both a sweet reminder and a wake-up call, not to mention a tremendous honor. I still can’t think of a prize that could ever top that one. –CL
February 24th, 2009 at 11:58 am
I do think that we all are deserving of an Award in some way, and to consider which might be best for us is a nice way to reflect a little, on the good we might bring to others, or the kindness we share, or the art we create. I’ve found in my post that the Award idea also opens my eyes to others’ qualities as we all consider the question. Congrats to you for your “Mom” Award!
February 24th, 2009 at 4:34 pm
It’s just good to know that someone is noticing all our hard work. My last publisher was superb in this regard. He noticed the small things and made a habit of mentioning it, either in private or in meetings.
I love the story about the Mom Award. I’m thinking you still have it stashed away somewhere.
- Suzanne
February 24th, 2009 at 9:19 pm
The second year I taught eighth grade, the group of students I had for homeroom/advisor group wrote a poem about me as their teacher. Someone typed it up, each student signed it, and they framed it to present to me at the end of the year. To me, it was the most significant recognition I ever received as a teacher.
February 25th, 2009 at 8:03 am
Yes — it’s good to be recognized for our work, Suzanne — your last boss sounds like a dream! And yes, I do have that award stashed away, and need to find it. Sharon, I hope you saved that poem and framed it for your office wall! And Joanne, you’re so right — we are all deserving of an award. Thanks for inspiring this post.
February 25th, 2009 at 6:28 pm
Awwww!! Love that your son did that.
We all need recognition and support. I swear, how many times have you interviewed someone or more often read an interview of someone high in their field and they seem to wonder if they are really any good, or good enough.
I try to give praise often, whether it’s their lovely home or a meal they made, their well-mannered children, a job well done or a personality trait I admire or appreciate. We all need that!