Underappreciation

It's beginning to feel this week like we all need some peace and quiet and time to relax. We all seem stressed to the max, and everyone in my life has been projecting mad amounts of aggravation.

Chill bros, just chill.

I can joke about this because I'm 5 minutes away from munching on some chocolate and making myself up a Soy Chocolate Chai Latte on the stove. Mmmm Chocolate/caffeine fixes...

But seriously, it feels like everyone I know - me included - is suffering from high amounts of under-appreciation.

We normally put a lot of work into what we do, right? Especially if it's something we believe in, or something we want to succeed. The amounts of energy I have put into some of my projects could power a few hundred rockets into space!

But what happens if that work isn't acknowledged? What if it's brushed off, or accepted as the status quo even when it's clear that you went above and beyond? What if - horror of horrors - someone else took credit for it?

Well first things first, no matter what you do after the last is look petty if you correct them about whose idea it was. But the fact of the matter is - give the credit where credit is due. Otherwise, your hatred or hurt is going to simmer on a backburner for a very long time. So politely correct another's false idea, describe the momentum behind the project and how you came to that idea to the endpoint it is at now to back up your argument, and mention the endgoals you have concerning that project.

I have had work brushed off. I have had a lot of work brushed off. I have watched many people attempt to take credit for it, and I've realized at the end of the day, that where my resentment comes from is not just from under-appreciation, but it's from being overlooked.

We are all staring at people and screaming inside our heads "LOOK at me! SEE me! I am VALUED and I want you to treat me as such!"

Well, if you want to be treated as such, start treating others the same way. It ain't called the Golden Rule for nuthin' folks.

I personally find at the end of the day, that under-appreciation hurts just a little bit less, when I've helped someone else feel legitimately valued.

So, say it truthfully, say it often, folks. Just let those who come into your life know that they really are valued.