"You have been Recognized"

07.02.15.

Wow! I recieved an email today from my friend and co-worker with an appreciation certificate for one of the company's "values": Service.

I am so humbled.

I have no words.

I feel so honored!

I am so happy that somebody noticed me!

The office I work in is tough- positive reinforcement, kind words, encouragement and support, in general, from upper management is not high on anyone's priority list. The co-workers I've connected with - the friends I've made here - have all been pleasant surprise bonding experiences. Basically, we exchange coping mechanisms for the negativity and hostility that infects this company. 

We support and encourage each other. 

We boost each other up.

We listen to each other's frustrations.

We dry each other's tears.

We celebrate each other's victories.

I work with/around an incredible bunch of kind-hearted, ambitious, creative, funny, intelligent, talented, lovely, amazing people.

This is the first time in any job that I've had in my adult life, that I have been recognized like this by one of my peers. I am so humbled by this.

The nerd in me wishes these awards actually meant something and that upper management took note and/or saw and cared about them...but I'm pretty sure that's not the case. Oh well. Those kids upstairs are truly missing out on getting to know us awesome worker-bees. We're so rad! Totally their loss.

I first learned about the "Recognition/Appreciation Program" towards the end of 2014. I honestly • L O V E • the idea of this program! It is nice to have a platform to formally acknowledge and recognize the efforts and good deeds of co-workers and employees. I am such a huge fan of and advocate for celebrating people and their accomplishments- this program was totally made for me! Hahaa! It is right up my alley. :) It is a safe and accessible opportunity for me to be my true, happy, grateful, honest, authentic self. [...which is hard in my office/company because of all the hostility/negativity...]. 

I have challenged myself to observe and honor at least 3 of my co-workers every month. So many people work so hard, here, and their positive, outstanding efforts are rarely adressed and/or acknowledged. I have made it a mission/goal to brighten up my corner of the office by sharing some kind, truthful/honest words of gratitude with people I interact with/work with regularly. It is really fun and easy for me to do - so I do it. :)

I was daydreaming not too long ago about what it would be like to receive the email that someone sent me a recognition certificate... silly, I know. I know what it feels like to send the certificate/email, but not receive it- so I was curious... And I just have to say: it is so much better than anything I could have imagined! This gesture is so far from insignificant! When the only feedback you get is negative feedback, this pleasant reminder that you matter really, really makes a difference. It totally means a lot. 

I sincerely appreciate the time, effort, and energy that goes into filling out the recognition form. Hahaa. Thank you, my friend, for seeing me. You have truly touched my heart! You have made coming into the office bearable for another day. :)