Praise - Not Sought Is Acclaim And Approval Worth Having

How do we handle praise?

Appreciate it or loathe it? Makes us feel good or just plain uncomfortable? Which do you relate to the most?

Surely if a good job is done, acclaim is earned. It is when it is unearned that applause rings hollow.

Do we not think we do a good job and therefore deserve the benefits and success that that brings? Is this not to be welcomed rather than avoided?

After all it is an honor to live a good life, to do good by others, to contribute to the common good. Why not be complimented for it - not to be or get big headed, but simply happy that ones efforts are being appreciated.

Equally we should be grateful for the efforts of others. Pay tribute to them in their turn. Pat someone on the back when it is good to do so. Sing the praises of another and fellow human being.

But at times we crave this appreciation but don't know how to put the effort in.

At times we want to feel the warmth of others admiring what we have done. We seek the compliments but without putting in the actions to deserve or earn them.

Sometimes we just do not appreciate our own efforts.

We give thanks to others but feel strange about doing the same for us.

But why should this be?

• Do we not accept what we do and the motives behind it?
• Do we feel that self love is to be despised?
• Do we not respect ourselves enough to think we can do well?

Or

• Do we not think we are worthy of acclaim?
• Do we perhaps feel we do not need our own boost?
• Do we not know ourselves better than anyone else does?

Why do we find it so hard to get those words out?

At these times we can question and wonder about what is really happening in our life. What we are doing. What we are involved in. What direction our life is going in.

I am being too selfish, what should I rather be doing, or even better what should I be doing to give and contribute - not for gain, but for the sheer pleasure of giving. But what . . .

At times like these words can be very powerful - healing, soothing, comforting, relaxing . . .

The power of words . . .

We can let the words quietly be spoken to us in there own sweet way. Let them gently and slowly impact on our lives as we read - and in the future when we recall their meaning for us.

I hope this page will do this and more. I hope this example will help to express life in an insightful, penetrating but easy to read manner. And help us to question the lives we lead and the manner in which we live them.

We all like the feel of praise
acclaim, honor, and the gaze
on this day of days
and hope its not just a phase

And that we do deserve
the admiration to preserve
the approval to conserve
future success to reserve

That we might feel again
congratulations by voice or pen
acclaim now and then
the compliment and not the amen

Or do we it unsay
when a few words would repay
another's effort that can outweigh
our own this or someday
accept a friend and pray that way stay

All best,
Martin