The Power of Appreciation
posted in Words |I have been blessed with the opportunity to spend a few days in Chicago with my husband. He is here on business and I on pleasure, although I have made some wonderful business contacts too. Although Chicago is one of my husband’s favorite cities, I had not been here before, but after only a few hours it was clear why my husband loves it so.
Chicago is beautiful. The architecture is breath-taking, the parks and trails amazing, the food fantastic, the energy engaging and the diversity wonderful. Oh, and lest I forget the shopping … the shopping is tremendous.
As I’ve become enraptured with Chicago life over the past few days I’ve tried to be a gracious tourist. It’s easy to get caught up in what I am doing and where I am going, however, I have been working at engaging in conversation those around me. As I’ve done so I found that Chicagoans are no different from those in my own home town; they love to be recognized and valued.
As Chuck and I got into a cab last night I began talking to our cabby. As someone who is highly allergic to smoke, I first told him how much I appreciated his no smoking rule. That began a great exchange of how a clean cab is important to him. He has let fares go, even on a slow night, if they insist on smoking. From there we discussed how long he had been a cab driver in Chicago and what type of interesting people he had come across in his 15 years.
Our conversation was simple, but when we got to our destination I noticed the cabbie rolled back the meter a bit as he wished us a great night. Not only did my husband and I leave the cab feeling good, but as he smiled, I believe the cabby’s night was made a bit better by our taking the time to notice and appreciate him.
The same has been true as I’ve talked to the harried cashier at Starbucks, the overwhelmed dressing room clerk at the department store, the busy traffic cop in the intersection, the concierge at the theatre and the hotel maids I pass in the hallway.
All of them have been somewhat surprised as I take a moment to recognize them.
And on the occasion I struggle with knowing what to say, I always thank them for doing their jobs and let them know I appreciate what they do. It’s true. Without these people serving as they do, we would go without many of the things we take for granted: fresh coffee made to my specifications, clothes on the racks at department stores, the ability to cross the street without losing a limb, directions to our seats before a show, fresh linens and towels in our hotel rooms, etc. We are blessed by the jobs people do.
Take a moment today to recognize those around you. Let them know you appreciate their work. Not only will you put a smile on their faces, but you will leave with a smile on yours. This is a simple, but deliberate step in Choosing a Better Life.