Appreciation Matters

This incident took place some time back and it left me wondering.

My 10 year old nephew came to me one morning and said "Hani Masi (aunty) can you help me prepare for today's assembly? I have to read the headlines from the newspaper. Another boy from my class will read the headlines from another newspaper".

I immediately responded “Of course, let's hurry up, we have to prepare before it's time for you to leave for school". Both of us gave our 100% and my little hero went to school with full confidence.

I was super excited to know about his day, to be specific about the assembly when he returned back home in the evening.

Once he was settled at home, I asked him "Hey Champ! How was the assembly today? Did you read well? What did your teacher say?"

He responded "It was okay. The teacher didn't say anything. In fact, no one in the audience applauded after I was done but they did for the other boy once he was done reading the newspaper. I really felt bad & I didn't clap for that boy"

Baffled, I questioned him "Why didn't you clap for him?"

He responded "I wasn't appreciated by anyone even though I was good so why should I appreciate someone else when I never received it?"

This response just shook me from within. I replied by saying "First of all, do you know the reason why no one applauded you? Maybe they thought they should applaud for both of you once the two of you are done reading the newspaper. So maybe you have misunderstood the entire situation. Second of all, you cannot treat someone else like the way others treat you. That boy is not responsible for what others have done to you."

I made him understand that what he did was wrong by quoting a few examples and I'm happy he realised his mistake.

This incident just made me realise how many times we have ill-treated people in the past just because we were ill-treated, be it our workplace or in our own home.

We always have an excuse for our wrong behaviour "This is what happened to me so that's exactly what I'm doing with you". In fact, some people try to be a little nicer by saying "This is nothing in comparison to what I have gone through, at least I'm being better than what my seniors were with me".

Pause and just think for a moment. How did you feel when you were treated badly? Isn’t it human nature that others will also feel bad with your wrong behaviour? Why should anyone pay for someone else’s mistake? Do they really deserve the life you are trying to give them? Think about it

My take away from this incident

- When in a state of incomprehension, just put yourself in the other person’s position and you will understand how to behave. Empathize to be a better human.

- Everyone deserves to be appreciated, children, homemakers, house helps, workers, boss, etc... Your one word of appreciation can motivate the person to achieve greater heights.