“We value virtue but do not discuss it. The honest bookkeeper, the faithful wife, the earnest scholar get little of our attention compared to the embezzler, the tramp, the cheat.” John Steinbeck
…What makes us who we are should be glorified personified and sung unto the stars!” Muse
Perhaps we begin with the phrase, “I never wanted nor asked for anything in return.” It is familiar to me. As much as any of us want to pride ourselves with our giving from the heart, without concern of any repay, we still like and enjoy some acknowledgment. Perhaps at times, it is not necessary, but at a low point in our lives or moods, we may search for some kind of acknowledgment of who we are and what we have done.
When another doesn’t consider our contributions
Most of us would be appalled to admit it bothers us when another doesn’t consider our contributions. I have come to realize it has to do with a couple of things, which I know I am as guilty of doing as anyone else. My confidence level on any given day fluctuates. It drives me crazy, and I am sure it makes others wonder just who I am. Another item to consider is our time, patience, and effort given to another. That can’t be given back so easily. Exhaustion plays a role in our attitude when no appreciation is given.
Decidedly I believe as much as I might offer to help someone, I assume they understand just how much I am giving. Of course, when they don’t, and practically appear to ignore my good efforts, it leaves me wallowing in self-pity and sometimes anger. When we have put others first, supported, and comforted, then we might feel we deserve at least a thanks. We were needed, and we came through. So now what?
Looking for the appreciation that may never come
Most of us look for the appreciation that may never come. For me to say it is a compliment, might sound absurd. But in a way, I have deduced that it is a compliment. Likely we need to rethink what our own feelings are regarding this dilemma. If it is important that we get the proverbial thank you, then perhaps we might consider picking and choosing what we want to do for others. It isn’t an insult as much as it knows our own ability to give and not receive.
It is one of the most difficult tasks to accomplish. Giving without receiving is weighing on a person. Many continue giving for a very long time until they break and crash. This occurs when one reaches the limit, and wants and deserves acknowledgment. At this point, the commendations are usually fruitless, because the receiver believes they had to ask for a thank you.
Relax a bit
I see it as a break time. If we have reached our limit of doing thankless jobs, then perhaps we should relax a bit. The true idea of giving is when it can be done without any acknowledgment. I like to receive a thank you as much as anyone. What I reflect on now, when the pains of being unappreciated rise, are the reasons why I am doing whatever it is I am doing. When the reality of the situation roots in my heart, I realize that I don’t require the thanks, and if I do need it, then I must immediately stop whatever it is I am doing. If one doesn’t refrain from doing unacknowledged work, that they feel is worthy of acknowledgment, then it leads to major frustration, anger, and a dislike of the person we are attempting to please. There is no winner in such a situation.
Go back to the original plan
It isn’t hard to believe that we might simply need a break. Perhaps we have placed ourselves so high on the pedestal of perfection, that we hate to admit we like a simple thank you once in a while. It isn’t difficult to consider this. Being human we get caught up in our thoughts and our mind’s take on issues. The further we go down that road, the sooner we reach the end of our endurance. If we want to continue, we must turn around our thoughts and go back to the original plan of aiding another without return.
It is a simple solution, yet it almost requires superhuman strength. There are no insults or degradation in our desire to not be taken advantage of. So many people in this world, are taken advantage of. Likely praise is not freely given, and thanks are infrequently exhibited. Sometimes it is reasoned that this one has so much so they can afford to help me out. I find this perhaps the saddest answer. For anyone to think another should spend or give to them is absurd. The rich person, who spreads his wealth for the benefit of others, is extremely kind. They don’t have to do such jobs.
Endure without thanks
Being thankful is as vital, as being aware and willing to support those in need. Both dispense of grace. The one acknowledges the empathy of the other through grace, while the doer is encouraged through thankfulness, to continue their good deeds. In the end, the world is a better place with less frustration and anger. Tolerance is renewed and understood on a deeper level. Probably our ability to endure without thanks will increase to the point of not being necessary.
There are countless ways we help others daily. Few receive thanks. Children are too young to comprehend the tremendous amounts of help they receive from parents. The parents are giving many times without receiving. We all share those times when we were underestimated in our value. Accepting this without anger makes us stronger. Continuing this attitude makes our world more compassionate.
Accept that the thanks
We just have to get over our need of thanks. We must accept that the thanks are in the finished product which never really goes unnoticed. Take a break when you need to and settle your thoughts about receiving praise. You yourself know what a great job you have done. In the end, it is how we view ourselves anyways. What others think of us is trivial compared to what we think and know about ourselves. We are the ones who must live with ourselves.
Stand strong, know your heart, mind, and body have pure ideas, honest motives, and not looking for rewards or glory. When your mind heart and body work together, you become more god-like than at any other time. Accept those times you fail by remembering the numerous times you made a difference in the life of another person. After all, our thoughts have always been about giving, and have never been about getting anything in return. Trust that it has been acknowledged in more ways than we could ever imagine.
Use the words “thank you” more often
Remembering how far a simple thank you spreads compassionate healing, is well worth mentioning. It triggers one to continue the path they are on and persist in their work of providing for others. If that is all that is needed to inspire another, perhaps we should all frequently use the words “thank you” more often.
“Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” Voltaire
“Appreciation is the highest form of prayer, for it acknowledges the presence of good wherever you shine the light of your thankful thoughts.” Alan Cohen
“The more one does and sees and feels, the more one is able to do, and the more genuine may be one’s appreciation of fundamental things like home, and love, and understanding companionship.” Amelia Earhart
“The roots of all goodness lie in the soil of appreciation for goodness.” Dalai Lama
