Admiration. Most of us admire someone who has touched our lives. We are inspired to do better in their presences. We feel a bit nervous too, perhaps. It is a natural experience. At some point we have also been the object of admiration. What does that feel like?
I cannot think of just one person I have admired in my life. Experiencing the greatness of others brings me joy and at the same time a little bit of humility. At the same time, I have those exact feelings when someone shows admiration for my work, or just my energy. This past weekend put me in both positions equally.
As I walked down Main Street in Mesa, glimpsing the unique treasures offered by the local vendors selling pieces of themselves on Small Business Saturday, I admired the abilities of each of these men and women. I admired their drive to succeed at their passions and work the extra hours, or go without, to make their dreams happen. They are each offering a part of their lives to the people passing. Whether you bought something this Saturday or simply gave a small business owner a moment of your time, I admire you as well. Anyone who chooses to give a unique gift rather than stock up on the latest mass produced, soulless trinket, is just as deserving of admiration.
It is still strange to count myself among those who are “making it” in their dream. I often feel I am not doing enough, I am not good enough, I am just not enough. So, when I see admiration in the eyes of others, directed at me or my books, or dancing, or praise a reading I have done for them, I admit I am still trying to figure out what to do with that. I am thankful, more than anything. To the young girl who wanted to take my picture beside the banner for Trolls, thank you! To the student from Phoenix Center from the Arts who recognized my book and me, and showed so much excitement at seeing me again, thank you! You made this author’s day. To all of the people who help me in so many ways from publishing my books and seeing something in me I have trouble seeing, to those who help me get out of bed in the morning on those particularly low days, thank you. I admire your gifts and your strength.
This holiday season, as we shop for the material, keep sight of the intangible as well. Give the gift of admiration by letting others know what their presence means to your life. Tell them what you specifically admire about them.
Who do you admire most this year?
When were you in a position to be admired? How did that make you feel?
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