Saturday, December 20, 2008

The occasional need for positive Reinforcement.

This “For Better or For Worse” comic Strip by Lynn Johnston has the mother staring into the mirror and sighing loudly and than her young son comes up and says, “ Know what mum? On parent night at preschool, I thought you were the prettiest of all the mums there.” To which she replied, “ You did?” Hugging him, she says, “Honey, that is so sweet! … What made you say that? “ To which he replies, “ I dunno …. Sometimes, you look like you need some positive reinforcement.”
Sad but true isn’t it? Yes, as much as we hate to admit it, all of us need some positive reinforcement at times don’t we? And often it is not even much but just the thought that someone else appreciates either us or what we are doing for them.
And just as we need some positive reinforcement form time to time, so do others. So if you see someone a bit down a or someone doing a good thing but getting no recognition for it, don’t be afraid to acknowledge them and their efforts, even if it just a simply verbal pat on the back like this cartoon character gave His mum.
So today, this Christmas season even, have a look around you and not into the mirror and see who else needs some positive reinforcement and then give it to them if you get the opportunity. What say you?

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