A job like no other
Every year during the weeks leading up to Christmas, my siblings and I would be tasked with a job like no other. My parents were determined to raise us to be hard working, grounded people, and so we were very used to completing an array of little jobs around the house to earn our pocket money. Taking out the rubbish, doing the washing up, feeding the cat – daily chores to help my parents out.
However, one particular job around Christmas time was the most exciting (and nerve wracking) of all.
With each of us clutching a pencil and a sheet of Christmassy paper, our task was to write down the top ‘good things’ we’d managed to do that year. The range was vast; some years my list would meander from “Cleaned Dad’s car when he had a cold” to “fed the stupid cat, even though it stinks”, before finishing with “didn’t hit my sister for taking my sweets, even though I really REALLY wanted to.”
Before long, the big day would come around and we’d all tear into our gifts. We had a routine for the grand unveiling of the presents; we’d wake to find our Christmas sacks filled with beautifully wrapped gifts, before dragging said sacks into our parents room. We’d settle down on their bed to fill their otherwise tidy bedroom with giant scrunched balls of paper. We’d take it in turns to open a present, and would thank my parents (or Father Christmas) for each item we’d received.
Time to reflect
I realise now, looking back, that my parents taught me an awful lot about gratitude and the art of positivity. Reflecting on the good deeds I’d done that year was a fantastic way of encouraging me, as a young child, to strive to do even better the next year. Being thankful for every single gift we received, no matter the size, taught us to be absolutely grateful for the good things in life.
Reflecting on those childhood memories lately, it occurred to me that we could all stand to be a little kinder in the workplace. Are we truly grateful when someone does us a favour in the office, even if they don’t have to? Do we say thank you enough? Do we make the time to tell others how appreciative we are of their time, work and energy?
Sometimes, I think we all forget these important elements of creating a great team culture. It’s integral that we show our appreciation of others’ hard work – but also that we make sure kindness is a priority. A simple random act of kindness could be enough to make someone’s day 100% better – and it takes little effort to do.
Let’s all do our bit this year to be a little kinder – it’s the most wonderful time of the year, for goodness’ sake.
