I was having a rough day the other day. Nothing specific. Just tired. Low. A few decisions hadn't gone my way, and I felt anxious. I don't feel like this often, so it rattled me a little.
That afternoon I dragged myself into Soulhub (my Pilates reformer studio) to exercise, and honestly, it felt like a chore. Unusual for me. I pushed through the 50-minute class, and of course, it was exactly what I needed.
When I came out, I found a surprise waiting. A beautiful bunch of tulips (my favourite) and a letter with my name on it. Surprised and delighted, I opened it.
It was a letter from Elani, one of my newer team members. A brilliant, talented young woman I've been mentoring for the past six months. Amongst so many generous words, she wrote:
"Thank you for always leading with strength, bravery and warmth. I'm not sure how you make everyone feel so seen. It's your superpower!"
Those words really hit me hard. I immediately welled up partly because I hadn't felt very brave that day at all. And partly because, for me, being told I make people feel seen is about the best compliment I could ever receive, and knowing Elani genuinely feels that way made my heart so full.
Her kindness shifted something in me that day. I went from flat and unresourceful to feeling completely loved and grateful.
Yesterday was RUOK Day.
It's a chance to reach out, check in, have a chat or, as Elani did for me, take a moment to share with someone what you love or appreciate about them.
You never know what's going on in someone's world. Your words might be the one thing that lifts their day, their week, or more.