Opportunities for Positive Interaction

William James, well-known psychologist and philosopher, said, “The deepest principle of human nature is a craving to be appreciated.” If we are honest with ourselves, we all want and need to feel valued for who we are and recognized for our contributions and accomplishments. It’s important for us to know that we have made a difference in someone’s life. If a person takes the time to express their heart-felt appreciation for something we have done, it boosts our spirit, passion, and purpose. It builds our self-confidence, self-esteem and our entire self-image. It gives us energy and motivation to work harder and do more. When you give people a sincere compliment, words of encouragement or just a warm smile, you are making their world a better place. You are making them feel appreciated and valued.

I remember when I was a boy growing up in New York I was walking home with my brother. I found a wallet with $500 dollars in it. We were excited, we took the wallet home and decided to split the money. We didn’t care about the identification card or credit cards. We were kids that didn’t mean anything to us. When I told my mother what we found and what we did. She told us to give her the wallet and the money. I thought she was going to keep it or tell us she is going to save it for us. Two hours later there was a knock at the door, my mother opens it and introduce us to the gentlemen who came in. He had lost his wallet with his rent money in it. My mother called him and explain that we found his wallet and. The look of joy on his face, he thanks us and told us we were good kids and we should feel proud that we are doing the right thing. When he left I ask my mother why she gave it back. She said it’s the right thing to do and doing the right gives you an opportunity to see the appreciation and gratitude that doing the right thing brings. I have never forgotten that lesson, I keep it in my heart and mine. If one of my soldiers does something for other I let them know that what they did is outstanding and lives up to the value of what being a soldier is all about. I go out of my way to help those that need it, I love the feeling it gives. I enjoy knowing I am doing the right thing.