Point Well Taken

Here’s a sweet memory.

At work, managers and staff occasionally participated in motivational seminars. One such professional development focused on self-esteem.

To apply what I’d learned, I taped a little note to my dashboard stating, "I am loveable and capable." This was supposed to be “unconscious reinforcement.” Or some such!

For months, I’d glance at it, but I’d pretty much forgotten it was there.

One day I stopped to visit family and noticed my brother in law, Jim, washing his truck.

“Hey,” said Jim, warming my day with his signature smile. “I’m almost done. The soap and rags are all out here. I’ll clean your car too.”

Later Jim came inside for coffee. He joined his wife, their little boy, and me at their antique dining room table. My sister and I were drinking tea from our mother’s china cups. My nephew had cocoa and cookies.

Grinning widely, Jim said, “Have I told you lately that you are capable and lovable?”

All of us looked up at him warmly but a bit curiously.

As we enjoyed the companionable conversation, he sprinkled his statements with references to how loveable I was, and how capable. I was pleased by his praises but when Jim repeated them, I thought it rather odd. We’d always had a wonderful relationship, but I’d never heard so many restated compliments from him. Or anyone else!

Driving home later, I noticed my note on the dashboard. Obviously, he’d spotted it when vacuuming my car. What a hoot!

When I got home, I described this hilarious exchange to my quiet husband, Louis.

He chuckled and said, "I’ve always considered myself likable and adequate."

Point Well Taken