24 JUNE 2024 WorldWide Drilling Resource® Thoughtfulness by Tim Connor Have you ever noticed some people are generally more thoughtful and appreciative than others? Why is it some people: say thank-you regularly; return phone calls on a timely basis; acknowledge gifts and thoughtful acts in a positive and responsive way; or think more about how they can help others versus themselves? Over the years, I have noticed this character trait in people - whether friends, family, or strangers. Are the rest of us just too preoccupied or self-centered - or do we downright just not care about others’ issues, feelings, dreams, concerns, or challenges? Are our own personal agendas taking precedence over any thoughtful behavior? There are a number of considerations when it comes to this simple idea of being thoughtful and appreciative. Here are just two: 1.) Be thoughtful of others because in some way you can bring sunlight into their lives regardless of their life dramas, position, or status. Everyone needs some degree of acknowledgment, validation, appreciation, thoughtfulness, or cheerleading. Can some kind act ease their burden or lighten their emotional load - even if only for a moment in time? 2.) Show some recognition of the acts others do for you whether solicited or not. Some people don’t show appreciation because they: have no manners; do not want to send the message to the other person they approve of their behavior, therefore sending the message to keep it up; would prefer they stop; don’t like feeling guilty, obligated, or uncomfortable; don’t even notice the thoughtful acts of others; or they expect thoughtful acts, thinking they deserve them. I could go on indefinitely with this, but I am sure you know or have known people you would define as less than thoughtful or appreciative. Maybe you fit into that category if you are willing to do a little honest self-appraisal. So what are our options when it comes to thoughtful attitudes? • Don’t attach strings to your thoughtfulness. (Expectations or barter.) • Stop being thoughtful of others. (Let their behavior determine yours.) • Be thoughtful only where it is appreciated, even if in small ways. • Start keeping score. • Start giving anonymously. Send cards, notes of inspirations, etc. to people and don’t sign them. • Be who you are and give and show thoughtfulness because it is who you are and it has nothing to do with the receiver. Gifts given with love have no expectations or agendas for a return of any kind. And, if you are the lucky recipient of a thoughtful act from a friend or stranger, take the time and energy to show appreciation - every time. Don’t break the chain. Even if the thought or act meant nothing to you or had no value for you, what is lost with a heartfelt thank-you? In His service, Tim Tim Connor may be contacted via e-mail to michele@worldwidedrillingresource.com “When a person is down in the world, an ounce of help is better than a pound of preaching.” ~Edward Bulwer-Lytton
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