Follow these instructions
Last week was “Instructor Appreciation Week” at the seniors center where I teach my boxing class. Shortly after class started, the center’s coordinator came to the room, presented me with a goodie bag, and expressed her appreciation for the time and effort I give to the center and students. I’m sure the applause that followed had me blushing.
I always feel good during these classes, but my heart was especially warmed receiving this kind acknowledgment, knowing my intention to impact my student’s lives positively is being met. This gesture from the coordinator and class made me feel proud of myself and my work.
Not coincidentally, an item in the goodie bag was a notebook, and its cover read, “May you be proud of the work you do, the person you are, and the difference you make.” I’ve removed the cover and placed it where I keep my wallet and keys where I can read it daily.
Each of us has reasons to feel good about ourselves, and I wish for us all to take stock of those reasons and follow these instructions—feel proud of the work we do, who we are, and the ways we make a difference. I’ll put my seniors' notebook to use by recording my thoughts and actions that align with this powerful message.
Are you on board to help fulfill my wish? I’d love to learn what’s on your list of things that make you proud of yourself.
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TranZen Homestead
Thank you so much for sharing your story! So beautiful and uplifting! I have helped out homeless veterans, impoverished school communities and orphanage groups to name a few. I'm very proud of the work that I have done and continue to do, of the sincere person that I am and the differences I've made in their lives and my own! I appreciate your story very much! Thank you!
I'm also an American Red Cross CPR instructor and I would like to offer my services to teach you and anyone else in your group (or anyone else reading this reply) free of charge.
And lastly, I'm running for Governor of California 2026 because I have detailed plans of how to solve our crisis! www.phongtran2026.com
Namaste 🙏
Well Street
Thank you very much for your kind words, and I'm happy to have witnessed your genuine and immensely caring spirit firsthand.
Having taken your CPR class several times over the years, I can attest to what an outstanding instructor you are, and your generous offer is appreciated.
I encourage everyone to visit your website to learn more about you and your ideas for California.
Slipstream
Those are good instructions to follow, and it's a great way to start your day. Giving joy and receiving joy and appreciation in return is a career to cherish. Keep up the good work!
Evangel
Too many people don't feel proud of who they are and what they bring to others. No matter how much they do, they feel it's not enough or no one takes notice. Worse, there are just as many people who eagerly throw shadow over anything good you do. I'm glad you got some love from the seniors. You deserve it.
For myself, I take pride in being dependable and going the extra mile for those who need some love and care. Despite the sense of fulfillment that's come from volunteering for social and political causes, helping those who've been lonely or in crisis is where I've felt most appreciated and impactful.
Well Street
Showing up for the lonely and those who've had the rug pulled out from under is a blessing, as is having such an empathetic heart to share.
Present Valley
This quote is beautiful! Thank you. What a great way for anyone to start their day with a solid foundation of who they are before taking on our challenging world right now.
I really love and respect and am proud of the woman I have become. I feel priviliged and honored to do the work I do making a difference in someone's life. I love people, connecting with them and being of service when I can. It is a joy to do something kind for a friend that I know will bring a smile to their face...flowers or a card... or to be or provide a resource when they are in need. I am proud of how I help my family members when they could use support. My niece is temporarily staying with me and she tells me she is so grateful I am giving her "a soft place to land." That is the ultimate compliment.
Thank you for the opportunity to give some thought to what I am proud of. I typically don't think about it...I just "do me."
Well Street
Thank you for sharing the ways you show up for others, and in turn, for yourself. Giving ourselves the proverbial pat on the back or high-five is always good medicine.