Photo credit: Abisinuola Lawal
“Positive comments. Finally.” I muttered with a sigh.
“I think I now grasp why Madam Tega is usually particular about commendations,” I said out loud to my colleagues.
It had been over 5 hours. Logging and responding to complaints and discouraging feedback on the client's accounts.
Interestingly, I didn't quite know how I felt until I came upon those positive comments.
“Good job.”
“Great. Keep up the good job. God bless Mr. A.”
“The best ksk ksk ksk.”
My shoulders dropped.
I felt a wave of relaxation and renewed energy.
Had this feeling that comes with being part of something impactful. It felt like a light breaking through a tiring day.
It changed the tone of the remaining hours at the office.
How can you become the beacon of support to others in a trying time?
Words matter more than we realize.
Take a cue from my experience.
Your simple act of expressing appreciation can have a profound effect on someone's emotional state.
You have the power to shape the emotional experiences of those around you.
When that power is in your hands, make sure you do that which uplifts.
Telling that motorcyclist, tricyclist, or car driver “Thank you” or “Have a nice day” after you have paid them the amount they charged you, is more than some surface-level niceties.
More than just paying, tell that food vendor about how tasty their meals are. The job of cooking so those who don't have the time to cook can eat is a lot. Say the words of appreciation.
They have the potential to re-energise, motivate, and shift their mindset.
It’s been a 2024 so far. We are grateful but not ignorant of realities.
High inflation, and cost of living, among others. I have had to fight back tears many times in January.
“I didn't pull through the university, carrying two tutorial jobs along to now be here again,” I told myself recently. I have been at this spot before. Having a press conference with my account balance before doing some basic things.
My case isn't that bad. So, I’d say, “Alhamdulillah!”
But think of many others below the ‘average’.
Hard-working, earning, yet broke.
As Chief Goodluck Asemota said in one of his tweets over the weekend, 2024 is a year of kindness. I’d like to add that it’s a year in which we all need more emotional resilience.
Be KIND.
Each of us has our own to deal with. I know. So, in case you’re wondering how to be kind barring your circumstances, start with your words.
Words are power.
Even when you have a reason to not be kind, choose to be. Because some people, because of tough times, may nag, grumble, argue needlessly, become irritating, and easily provoked, among other things. Don't throw the punch back.
Not trying to make excuses for anyone. But for your own good, let your response be KINDNESS.
Stay BAKE!
Have some thoughts or feedback to share?
Even when you have a reason to not be kind, choose to be. This is the hard part sha but irrespective, kindness doesn’t actually cost anything, just make the choice. Thank you for this baking. It is a great nudge!
And it is kind of you to do the unexpected with the image. It brought a bright smile to my face ❤️
For my own good, I choose kindness! This is timely. Sending you love and hugs for each day. Thank you for writing.