The Joy of Kindness, Generosity, and Appreciation
I’ve discovered that joy comes from treating people with kindness, generosity, and appreciation.
Earlier in my career, I was enamored with people who were wealthy, famous, and successful. Because I felt unworthy, insecure, and inferior, I would chase significance. I wanted to feel important because I thought I was unimportant.
I elevated those I admired and aspire to be like on a pedestal while ignored those not so accomplished. I was hoping that their success and influence would rub off on me.
Unfortunately, each time I pursued significance, it was only a quick fix for me who, and left me feeling empty. I felt important for a moment, then returned to my belief of unworthiness.
It was like binge on that bag of cheetos then feeling bad because of those empty calories instead of real nourishment.
I was not nourishing my heart and soul. Each time I chased significance, it led me down a path of comparison, where I always felt like I had the short end of the stick.
Over the years, I’ve discovered a new source to fulfill my desire for significance in a healthier and joyful way. It is through contribution to others that actually nourished me while giving me significance.
It was no longer about chasing those who were successful, but giving kindness, generosity, and care to all those I cross paths, regardless of who they are or what they do.
It’s the uber driver, it’s that wait staff at an event, it’s the delivery guy. Each moment I have an opportunity to feel true significance when I give the with my presence and appreciation.
Recently, I have been surrounded by some of the most accomplished people in the world. These are people I would have done anything to meet.
They have been incredibly kind and generous.
Interesting enough, though, my most joyful moments lately have been interactions with the hotel staff. Each time we greet each other, there is a genuine appreciation and kindness.
I am not better than them. I am not more important. I am choosing to be joyful by sharing kindness with them as I would someone more accomplised or famous.
You see joy and a sense of significance comes from treating others well regardless of their position as an employee, executive, strategic partner, contractor, or janitor.
When we take a moment to really notice the gift that people share when they cross our path, their time, their care, their skill, we discover how important we really are.
Seeing this releases the us from what holds us back from joy.
