Wednesday, May 12, 2010

Tinkerbell

"I'm like Tinkerbell. I need applause to live."


This was my favorite quote on Glee last night, and perhaps my favorite quote of all time.


Here's why: who doesn't like an 'atta boy', a pat on the back, a word or look of approval from someone you admire.


But in order to get it back, you need to give it away. After all, if you never said anything good about anyone else, why would you ever expect people to say nice things period? ("Someone else won't always do it." This idea that others WILL is a social pet peeve of mine. Perfect example - give to NPR if you listen. The other guy might not.)


Rewarding other people for things you like, things they did, who they are, or what they believe does not show weakness on your part. At first it might seem like you are giving all the credit away.


But in the long term, those whose words, deeds, actions, and mantras you call out as admirable, thoughtful, or just plain awesome in your eyes will breed loyalty, respect, and above all, humanity.

3 comments:

Anna said...

Well said!

Marne said...

From my daily calendar of "The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People" on May 13:

"The little kindnesses and courtesies are so important. Small discourtesies, little unkindnesses, little forms of disrespect make large withdrawals. In relationships, the little things are the big things."

Thanks for continuing to blog!!

Love you,
Marne

Unknown said...

good warm fuzzy things happened in my brain from reading this. Instead of trying to outdo one another, why can't we shower one another with crazy amounts of admiration and respect?

Is it perhaps because we are too bombarded with our own feelings of inadequacy and insecurity in this highly competative, overproductive culture?