We’re not entitled and WHERE ARE YOUR MANNERS?

I’ve been a bit discouraged at my new job lately.  (notice I didn’t mention where I work?)  There’s an overwhelming amount of support from the community and people enjoy giving things to the organization I work for.

So much so, it seems, some members of the organization have come to expect these things. If anyone asked I’d say it’s that expectation, or the entitled attitude that has me a bit discouraged.

In (my own) life I love doing things for people but hate being recognized for what I’ve done. (notice I didn’t share any examples?)  When accolades are involved I start to freak out.  Hugs?  Hugs put me almost over the edge (unless I’m hugging a friend’s dad to be antagonistic and that’s just FUN; #sorrynotsorry Mr. Paynter)

But hugs as a thank you?  Oi!

When I see people who expect things, hear them (anyone, not just members of my organization) talk about how they RATE things or simply take things because they CAN even in the absence of need, it hurts my soul.

Like, I actually ache inside.

Yesterday I left for the day and my meter was pegged (which means I needed caffeine) and when I was clear of my office and had liquid magic in my system I looked at Facebook.  (perhaps my other known addiction)

My friend Mandy posted a link from her 9-year-old daughter Lydia’s school fundraiser.

We’ve all seen the Fall fundraisers schools put out. Exorbitantly priced wrapping paper, popcorn coated in something akin to glue and chocolate that cost as much as a meal (I’m single, dinner isn’t ‘spensive) and who knows what other form of ‘Holiday Cheer.”  (I’m not a Grinch; Aunt Jennie is usually good for a $20 donation even if I don’t want the craptastic popcorn or overpriced wrapping paper.)

Anyhow, Lydia’s page was different. 

Lydia’s school is raising money for the American Heart Association.  Lydia’s page* is full or her personality, her own words and her spunky style.  (she’s a blogger and once wrote a story FOR me so I’ve seen her style.  Man, I’m thankful Al Gore invented the internet!)

I immediately logged on and made a donation.  Not a giant donation; I didn’t meet her goal of $250.  But I dropped a few dollas [sic] on her account.  The email I received from the American Heart Association thanked me for “helping save or change a child’s life.”

I had to smile as I set my phone down because the truth is, the donation helped save and change my day.

And my attitude. 

Before I made it back to my house my phone buzzed and a giddy 9-year-old voice chirped through the speakers with “Thank you for donating you’re awesome!”

She may never understand what I meant by “No, Lydia, YOU’RE awesome.”

Anyhow.

Remember to be mindful as the holiday season unfolds.  Remember we’re not entitled and don’t rate.  Remember to be a decent human being.

Say Merry Christmas as often as you like or Happy Holidays, Happy Chanukah or Feliz Navidad if that’s your thing.

Whatever you do, take a moment to give back where you can and for the love of all that is real and magic and gingerbread and snowmen, SAY THANK YOU.  (see what I did there?  ALL the font tricks!)

Look someone in the eye and say thank you.

(*yes, I shared her fundraising page to give YOU the chance to be a heart hero and have the warm satisfied feeling I did when I donated.  How fun would it be if a bunch of strangers blew her goal out of the water?  What? haha. You’re right. It’s not like that many people READ what I write.  Ego much, Jennie? But there it is just the same.)