Tag Archive for: appreciation

A Mothers Gift

Yesterday, I had the chance to visit with my mum for a wee while.
Mum is in her 90th year and looking well.
Today is Mother’s Day in the UK.
I am so grateful for my mum.
I love her dearly and we feel blessed to have had a lifetime of love and laughter together.
The gift of a mothers love is a priceless treasure.
Her gentle words, quiet strength, and unwavering faith have shaped who I am.
Reflecting upon my time with my mum, I feel immense gratitude for her enduring example and many quiet sacrifices.
In Proverbs 31:28 we read, “Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.”
Mum’s love can sometimes go unnoticed, yet I know it forms the very foundation of our family lives.
On this special day, may we all take a moment to reflect on our mothers.
“God bless you, mothers. When all the victories and defeats of men’s efforts are tallied, when the dust of life’s battles finally settles, it is the mother’s love that will be remembered. It is the memory of your arms, your prayers, and your constancy that will live on.” – Gordon B. Hinckley.
Let’s cherish our mothers, each one of them, not just today, but every day – with love, words, and time.
How can you honour and show appreciation for your mother and the mother figures in your life today?

Handwritten

“Thank you” I said.
I was moved by another handwritten note.
It contained a thoughtful message of love, gratitude, and appreciation.
What is it about receiving a handwritten note?
There is something so special and powerful about it.
It is a labour of love.
Knowing that someone has sat down, taken time, crafted some words, written by their own hand, and then either posted it or given it to you.
Seeing actual words, penned in their own writing, somehow conveys feelings in a much more powerful, intimate, and personal way.
It indicates a deeper investment of time, in you.
The words used, can speak volumes to your heart, conveying deep meaning.
Such as, “I can’t even express…” or “You won’t even know…”
It is something unique.

I care

It also says something about you, that you care enough to make a genuinely personal gesture.
Recently, I have counselled with a few missionaries about taking time to craft a handwritten letter to a family member or friend.
In our digital world that feels increasingly disconnected, and impersonal, a handwritten note, really can make all the difference.
In fact, these notes grow rarer, day by day.
Each handwritten note, says “𝓘 𝓬𝓪𝓻𝓮.”
A handwritten note may seem like a small gesture, but I know it can have a huge impact on both the sender and the receiver.

They’re all about love

They are special messages for you and me.
I’ve kept all of the ones I’ve received in the mission field.
When I’ve felt a little low, I’ve reread many.
They act as a powerful reminder that others love and care.
All I have to do is open them and start reading.
In a similar manner, the scriptures are like special handwritten, crafted messages from our Heavenly Father for you and me.
All we have to do is open them and start reading.
In the Book of Mormon, we read in Nephi 4:15 “I write the things of my soul…”
Consider your feelings…
Craft a handwritten note, by sharing some things from your soul.

Appreciation

“What is the best way to express appreciation to a team member?” asked a course participant. “There are many ways, but let me tell you about my favourite” I responded.
Some context, this week, I have been busy delivering some global virtual workshops on employee engagement.
My story is a simple one.
As a coach, when a series of coaching conversations come to their ultimate conclusion, I frequently receive a note of thanks, sometimes even a little gift and occasionally both. I do not seek after them, these things simply arrive in the post. The thank you notes are always filled with beautiful heartfelt words of gratitude. Each card is carefully written and filled with expressions of appreciation and kindness for the time I’ve given to an individual to help them along in their personal journey. The result, usually a warm fuzzy!
Cards and gifts are always nice to receive, but the key part of my story is this, we simply need to genuinely express our appreciation. We start by saying 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒏𝒌 𝒚𝒐𝒖.
It seems like an extremely obvious thing to do, yet we need to become much more accustomed to saying thank you more often, by making it personal and real.
Please don’t let the next opportunity to express your appreciation for a job well done pass by, say thank you!