Stop! Smell the Roses

Jun 10, 2009

Saying "Thanks" without "but" afterwards is a challenge.

It is easy for me to express appreciation and "smell the roses."  It isn't always easy for me to "stop" and just appreciate them however.  I often include a disclaimer or a "but" afterwards. 

For example.  "Thank you Zeb for sending me that information, but could you format it differently next time."  Or better yet, "Thank you Leslie for helping me, but I think I got it handled now."  Really we aren't expressing true appreciation, we are merely couching a correction with pleansantries.  We are pointing out the thorns on the roses and happen to smell them on the way. 

The other day someone remembered a nice thing I did a whole day after I did it.  And they said thank you.  It made me feel so good.  They stoped what they were doing the day after and expressed appreciation.  Have you ever felt that genuine appreciation?  It feels great, it feels real, doesn't it?

Since my co-workers made me more aware of this, I have tried harder to stop, and smell the roses.  Consequently I have enjoyed the roses much more now.  I appreciate the good work Zeb has been doing on improving United Way's brand.  I appreciate Leslie's tireless work on homeless issues and food banking.  I appreciate Bob's wise and balanced leadership.  I appreciate Ben's astute work ethic.  I appreciate Bruce, Susie and Nikki for making United Way a "verb" and not just a "philosophy." I appreciate Bruce's level headed humor and sage advice about fundraising.  I am glad to have Adam and Michelle around this summer to keep us working hard.  And I appreciate Durrell, Elyse, and Debbie keeping track of everything we do here. 

There are good things going on everyday in our community.  Giving in Northern Utah is up.  More people are getting help than ever before.  Nonprofits are becoming more effective and more efficient.  People are noticing the roses and we are stopping to smell the roses.  Lets keep it up and forget the "but." 

Josh