#tellsomeonetheyrock
Last week I saw a tweet in my timeline from a teacher who was moving schools.
A little earlier in the week I had been thinking the same thought, albeit with regard to a more solemn circumstance than Steve’s journey to pastures new.
Watching the coverage of Philip Hughes’ funeral, both on TV and in print, I couldn’t help but feel incredibly emotional as those that knew him spoke of the impact he had in their lives.
As a son, brother, friend, teammate, cattle farmer, cricketing hero or friendly local, Philip Hughes appeared to pass through his life enhancing those of the people he met, by doing nothing more than being himself.
And as I watched this unfold last week, I started to wonder if Philip Hughes had the slightest inclination that people thought so highly of him? I hope so.
But it got me thinking.
I wonder how often we leave it too late to tell those closest to us how much they mean to us, or the impact they’ve had in our lives.
OK, you might be better at that than me, but what about your work colleagues, friends, parents?
Do we get too caught up in the mundane or the petty so as to leave little time for the important stuff?
For a lot of us Christmas will provide a natural opportunity for us to have these conversations. Or write a card, or a letter… or heck it’s 2014 after all… why not tweet it! #tellsomeonetheyrock
You have hit my thoughts exactly Dan. It’s been a tough few weeks with two very different and equally heartbreaking funerals. One an ex student and peer of my 16 year old son who took his own life and the other a friend who died suddenly of a brain aneurism aged 39 years. She was the most vibrant, awesome lady ever and her loss is terrible! I too have thought, gee if only Jayden and Jo could be here to see all the love poured out for them. Did they really know how much they were valued and cared for? Thanks for the tweet earlier. It came at a good time x
I DO tell people they rock (or similar words depending on generation, appropriateness, etc), but often get a raised eyebrow and a slight step backward in response. We are not conditioned to receive compliments, particularly in Australian with our tall poppy issues. Perhaps the phrase should be “Let myself be told I rock!”?
I agree; compliments were given/received generously when I lived/worked in Canada/USA. Now I am back in Australia I have noted that people are less inclined to compliment, think you are joking or working an agenda. I have been told more that “you are making us look bad” or “you are trying too hard” than compliments…..it is difficult to make friends in this type of environment.
Thanks for this post Dan. It very much hit home, especially as I am also moving jobs this year. I think it is worth setting a New Year’s resolution to be a lot more reflective and consider how we work with colleagues. What kinds of collegial relationships do we want to be surrounded by? Also, how do we voice feeling unappreciated without offending those we work with.
It’s great when you write something and it resonates.
Thanks for sharing your reflections.
It’s also been amazing to see how the hashtag has taken off on Twitter… particularly with Oz teachers….
Dan
I have just put a bulletin notice for tomorrow reminding students to give compliments and to accept them if they come your way! I hope something as simple as this can brighten someones day. Thanks Dan.