One of my favorite parts to write in every book I publish is the Acknowledgments section. Yes, it’s always at the end of the book, but it’s so important to me that I often start thinking about it before I’m finished with my first draft.
The Acknowledgments section is where I’m able to thank everyone who has helped me take an idea and turn it into a “real” book. My family, my mentors, my agent, my preferred readers, my Dream Team . . . it’s a writer’s way of saying thank you. Of telling readers “these people made a difference in my life while I wrote this book.”
Stephen Covey was so, so right when he said, “The deepest desire of the human spirit is to be acknowledged.” We like to know that we matter — that we make a difference in this world. That we’re important to someone else. Of course, we don’t always get a mention in the Acknowledgments at the back of a book. But maybe someone sends you a handwritten note or an email or gives you a hug with a whispered, “Thank you. I couldn’t have done it without you.”
We’ve been seen. We’ve been recognized.
Of course, we didn’t do or say what we did for recognition . . . but still, being valued gives us a sense of worth that affirms our actions. I’m not talking about feeding our ego. No. I’m talking about someone taking the time to see you for who you are — to appreciate you. Or let’s flip this scenario and remind ourselves that others like to be acknowledged for who they are. It’s just as important to be the acknowledger as it is to be the acknowledged.
In Others’ Words: When has someone seen you and acknowledged you? When was the last time you valued someone for who they were?
[ctt template=”8″ link=”VgNu5″ via=”yes” ]In Others\’ Words: Can You See Me Now? http://wp.me/p63waO-2iF #InOthersWords #quote #significance[/ctt] [ctt template=”8″ link=”f07ri” via=”yes” ]\”The greatest desire of the human spirit is to be acknowledged.\” http://wp.me/p63waO-2iF #quotes #StephenCovey #relationships[/ctt]
Comments 6
I like that. Before I got a Mac and could actually make cards on my computer, God would nudge me to send someone a card. Sometimes a get well card, sometimes an encouragement card and every time I would get a phone call, thanking me. That the day they received the card they had really needed whatever I’d written, usually a Bible verse. While I don’t make my cards, anymore, I do still send out notes of encouragement. Not sure who gets the most out of it–me or the recipient.
Author
Pat:
Handwritten cards are rare these days. I save all the ones I receive in a basket because I treasure the words written in them — the time taken, the intentionality, the love expressed.
For some reason people refer to me as a modern-day Barnabas. Humbling and mind-blowing, when all I’m trying to do is help keep people encouraged, and turned to the Light.
Author
And that, my friend, is exactly what a Barnabas does: comes alongside another person and encourages them, while helping them to remain focused on the true source of light.
Beth, what a beautiful reminder to let people know they matter.
Before I moved, one of my bosses, like up the corporate ladder, called and thanked me for my hard work. I was shocked and appreciated his kind words.
Author
Jackie: Aren’t the unexpected moments when someone values you the best?