John's Philosophy

Years ago, I got into the habit of saying thank you to everyone I worked with as I said goodbye at the end of the day. I felt that it was something that I wanted to hear and that if I said it, then that person would go home feeling valued and appreciated. I stick to this routine even today, hoping that the recipient feels that their day was well spent and that their hard work did not go unnoticed.

 This evening, I got a response to an email that I sent to a colleague earlier. My original message was an apology. I left work in a hurry (unusual for me) and forgot that this person needed something from me. As soon as I left, I felt uncontrollable guilt (not unusual for me), and I swore that I would contact her as soon as I got home. That's just what I did, not expecting a response. She wrote back, saying that it was no big deal since another colleague had come to the rescue, but also saying thanks for the support that I had shown for her initiative. I'm not sure if it was the back-to-school exhaustion or the genuine gratitude that I felt, but I cried like a baby. Seriously, tears rolling down my cheeks and heaving sobs. Ok, maybe the fatigue has set in.

 But maybe, just maybe, the gratitude that person showed me at that particular juncture was enough to elicit that kind of response from me. I know that there have been times where even the simplest of tasks seems so arduous that I feel I deserve a medal and a parade. Most of the time, though, I'm good. The feeling that I get from doing what I always do is more than enough; it's satisfying in a way that I find my reward in the act of doing. Sometimes, however, I need a little pat on the back, a little reassurance that I'm not in this alone and that even my smallest actions have value. I guess today was one of those days.

 I know that I'm not perfect and that I will make mistakes along the way, but I'm learning and I'm trying to improve. I recognize this in others and I hope that I can inspire them to keep going. It doesn't take much: waving thanks to the driver that let me in to their lane, wishing the cashier at Sobey's a good evening, watching my neighbour's son while she takes a much needed break. One of our bus drivers says it best: If I can make even just one child's day better by being kind, then why wouldn't I? I like to call this John's Philosophy, and I plan on living by it.

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