Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – June 4, 2004
Feeling Appreciated
Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – June 4, 2004 – This was a very busy, frustrating week. I had double-booked clients, missed my Moby Dick Book Club meeting, had a sick dog, no time for myself, didn’t get enough sleep and worked too many hours. At times I felt overwhelmed and grumpy. Today a real estate deal I’d worked on fell apart.
Both my client and I were disappointed, but relieved. It wasn’t the right house for her and we’ll find her another. From time to time, when I’m working long hours, I feel unappreciated and put upon. I develop the odd case of “poor me”. It usually doesn’t persist for long but it can be a nuisance while it lasts. As a real estate agent I have to be hand holder, advisor, friend, psychologist, financial consultant, decorating good gal and all around housing guru. This juggling act goes with the job, but often seems to be taken for granted (my assumption) by my clients.
I spend endless hours creating bi-monthly newsletters, presentation material, financial guidelines, trades and professional referral directories, property feature sheets, e-mail picture templates, home decorating hints, maintaining my website and providing the best professional advice of which I’m capable. Sometimes I think no one cares.
Then all of a sudden something happens that makes me realize that the things I do are both worthwhile and appreciated. My pager went off this afternoon when I was with a client and the message asked me to contact the office when I was free. I called about four o’clock and was told that someone had sent me flowers. I certainly wasn’t expecting them, which made their arrival a nice surprise. I had no idea who had sent them. I drove to the office about seven o’clock and picked up an absolutely lovely bouquet of white lilies and other exotic looking blooms with beautiful ferns and mixed greenery.
The accompanying note was from a couple who I’ve met with on a number of occasions. They’ve yet to buy a property but do have plans to do so at some point. They simply wanted me to know that my efforts were greatly appreciated and that my advice was valuable and helpful.
This impromptu gift was appreciated more than they can ever imagine. I guess we never really know how much we touch the lives of others. Most times we never bother to tell people that we value them. It doesn’t take flowers to make a person feel cherished, although it’s a wonderful way to say so. An e-mail, phone call, card or small gift can convey your thoughts to another, without it costing very much money. It’s taking the time to say a simple, heartfelt “thank you” that is so important.
This evening, as I arranged these wonderful , cut flowers in a vase for my dining room table, I felt truly appreciated. I was thankful that someone took the time let me know that I made a difference to them, and that they were grateful for my advice and attentiveness.
We can have a great impact on others with a very small gesture. This is something to remember when you’re wondering if you can help someone else. It’s also a nice reminder that your own personal and professional efforts are valued by others. Making a difference – a nice motto!
