The Little Things

It's a rainy, cold morning here in Oakland, my favorite kind of morning, minus having to be at work. I just picked up some grocery items next door at Whole Foods. Yes! I work next to a Whole Foods. It's T-R-O-U-B-L-E. Anyway, I brought back a container of my favorite vegan doughnuts and a bag of Cuties for my breakfast and to share with a few of my co-workers. Why not. I'm thankful for (most of) them and wanted to brighten their morning. One in particular co-worker came in and accepted a doughnut and then did something that caught me completely off guard. They went in for a big. bear. hug. And then told me, "I don't hug you enough. And I should. Thank you for everything." Well... it brought me to tears. Just like that.

Thing is, I'm used to passing out the hugs, the smiles, the kind gestures  because it's what I do, what I enjoy. But when others present me with them, it always touches me, beyond belief.

Being appreciated and recognized for a job well done in the work place, or simply being a good person and friend to your co-workers tends to go unnoticed these days. With the hustle and bustle of the day, the daily/weekly/monthly goals your department needs to meet, and the pressure from above, and hell!-job security, time takes over and we forget that we're all a team, that employees need recognition (some don't) but it doesn't hurt to hand it out. So my lesson here folks... taking time to appreciate someone and tell them...it goes far for many.

This co-worker made my day. And I thank you.