Opening Words from Sun. November 19: “Recognition” by Sharon Poe
Recognition is a word with many meanings:
- The act of accepting that something is true or important, or that it exists, such as accepting the results of an election.
- The act of accepting someone or something as having legal or official authority, such as accepting that a new administration has the right of access to security briefings.
- The state of knowing who or what someone or something is because of previous knowledge or experience, such as our previous experience with our President-Elect.
I didn’t intend to get all political with this topic, really. It just happened. Recognition on a personal level is where I intended to start, so I’ll do that now.
There are many forms of personal recognition:
- On a grand scale, such as a Pulitzer or Nobel Prize.
- Recognition on an employee level, such as bonuses or good evaluations. Our illustrious speaker Liz Croft, otherwise known as James’ Mum, will speak on that later.
- On a much more personal level, recognition can be a look that says, “I see you, I know you, I accept you.”
We all need to be recognized. It’s not a matter of pride, selfishness, or immaturity. Human beings, from the earliest moments in or lives, need affection and respect from everyone around them, which is where we find recognition of ourselves as people. Our parents and or family are the first social circle responsible for giving us recognition, respect, and affection. If we are recognized and respected, our self-esteem and confidence grow to allow us to function in the world. If we don’t find hat initial loving support in or families of origin, we need to search for it in other places as we mature, or we will be stunted in our personal growth.
Just as we accept recognition it is also essential to know how to offer recognition to others: “I value you as a person I appreciate you and believe in you. I know what you are capable of and I respect you for that. You are a part of my life.”
Just as receiving positive recognition gives each of us a boost in confidence and self-esteem, it is equally important to turn that around and give recognition to others:
A sincere compliment for a job well done. A heartfelt birthday wish. A warm thank-you note. Since it is hard to smile at each other through our masks, we need to practice the Tyra Banks: “Smize,” smiling with our eyes. A ”Smize” and a thank you to the person who checks you out at the grocery. A phone call to a friend to say, I miss you.” A letter! Yes, we can still write letters! Any means to say, “I see you, I know you, you are important to me and to this world.”
Thank you.