Within all humans there exists the need, a longing, to be recognized and appreciated in some way. It has been said that for some this is, indeed, their #1 emotional need. Regardless of the degree, people do want to be validated and know that they matter in this world and that they are valued.

It would be difficult to disagree with that.

Expressing gratitude, or recognizing someone for the positive impact they have made in our life, may appear simple on the surface. However, in today’s world the line between thinking it and saying it becomes blurred.

We live in the era of constant communication-cell phones, text messaging, e-mails, BlackBerrys, Sidekicks, iPhones-you name it, most of us have it. The latest and greatest communications gadgets, all designed to help us keep in touch and communicate.

Yet, sadly, we live in a time where we have never been more out of touch.

We have become the “Assume Generation” Time moves so quickly that we “assume” that those who matter the most to us know how we really feel about them at any given time. This is one of the greatest tragedies of our times.

There are millions and millions of people longing to be recognized and appreciated by those they love dearly and yet, because of our fast-paced life styles, we just “assume”. Routinely taking for granted that they know.

“Magic” happens when an individual looks beyond themselves and takes the time to honor a special person in their life. Their personal hero. Someone who has had a positive impact on them. Having done so, the giver’s sense of exhilaration is exceeded only by that of the recipient. It is hard to explain but it is truly one of the best feelings in the world!

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