The World's Greatest Compliment

I think it was Mark Twain who said he could live on one compliment for a month. I so totally agree with that statement. I really thrive on praise. Compliments, positive feedback, praise, a pat on the back.....these are the types of incentives that really spur me to perform. Don't get me wrong. I enjoy getting a raise as much as the next person. But, when I think back on all the job evaluations I have been subjected to over the years, what really sticks in my mind is not the dollar amount of the increase I received. I remember the words of praise and the absolute joy I felt from being appreciated. The acknowledgment of my skills, talents, hard work, loyalty and perseverance meant so much to me. I have had my share of insincere flattery, too. That simply doesn't do the trick, but honest and sincere praise makes my heart sing!

I made a major career change in my early 30's. I dropped out of the corporate world and became a teacher. Well, one doesn't actually become a teacher. Teaching is a constantly evolving vocation. I will still be growing, improving and learning in my chosen vocation for as long as I teach. Gone are the days of corporate evaluations and fat raises. What I have now is so much better! My students are my praise. They are the acknowledgment of all that I do. They are the reflection of my skills, talents, hard work, loyalty and perseverance. Their voices uplift me in ways that no amount of money could ever accomplish. I do still appreciate the positive feedback and the pats on the back and the yearly addition to my salary, but "my kids" are really what it's all about.

Now....before I go polish my trophies, I want to share a poem I wrote for my choir kids last spring.

I can't imagine a life without music

It fills my heart and soul.

It's a constant companion, a voice within

when the world seems bitter and cold.

And you, my dear students, are my greatest song

Your lives are a sweet melody.

And no matter how old or how far you've gone

You are still the music inside of me.

Your smiles are the harmony, strong and true

Your voices the notes of my life.

Why seek fame or great wealth when I know what I do

Is perfectly, perfectly right?

And you, my dear students, are my greatest song

Your lives are a sweet melody.

And no matter how old or how far you've gone

You are still the music inside of me.