I Heart Feedback

I love positive reinforcement. Huge fan. Makes my heart sing. And I'm always reminded of that whenever I get even the smallest hint of PR (an appropriate nickname, yes?). But it also makes me think of how quick I am to forget to pass along that kind of accolade--the arms-open type that makes you feel swallowed whole into a big, warm blanket. That's the best.

I say all that as a disclaimer to what I'm about to post, which is a thank you note from a realtor whose home I wrote about for the Real Estate section of our local paper. Mind you, I know I'm not moving heaven and earth by writing about crown molding and 4-sides brick as a side gig, but it pays nicely and I really enjoy it. Those who can't own homes, write about them, as the revamped adage says.

So here's what I got from Debbie, the realtor, in my inbox this morning:

A!

How AWESOME your work is! I cannot tell you how I felt Sunday when I read the article on 986 Brickyard Pass, in Brierfield, Alabama. You will win many awards in your career. Thank you so much for such great coverage. My family thought I had won the lottery I was so excited about the generous coverage. You will NOT go unnoticed by your peers! May your work always bring such joy and happiness to others!Be blessed,Thank you !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Debra

Granted, I was doing Debbie basically a paid favor. I wasn't reviewing the home, but simply pointing out some of the finer qualities. She darn well should have been happy with what I wrote. But it makes me remember that, just as Debbie's letter made my heart soar, maybe I need to take some time today to make someone else's heart flutter a little faster with an open-arms thank you.

Debbie's only the second person (that I remember) in my two years of freelancing with the News that has gotten back to me in such a memorable way. I'm sure there have been other emails, but Debbie's may just go on my mirror to inspire me to keep trying to write that award-winning piece, or at least act like everything I write is important enough to be considered and treated as such. The other thank you? A delivery of two dozen yellow tulips (my favorite flower, coincidentally enough) for an artist profile I did.

Let's make good news, and great thank yous, travel faster today, ok?