A close friend shared with me an experience that really made him feel great and gave me some insight that I would like to share.   My friend posted a message on his Facebook page that said something to the effect of “Please respond to this post with one word that you think best describes me.”  Two days later, someone who has worked very closely with this friend for the past several years replied with the word “inspirational”.  My friend was curious so he emailed his co-worker and asked her what she found inspirational about him.  Here was her reply:

You inspire me because you put your family and religion first.
You inspire me because you are always 100% positive (or at least appear insanely upbeat and unweathered in the toughest of times).
You inspire me because there’s never been a person that I know of that has met you and not adored you.
You inspire me because you are extremely open to other people’s ideas and opinions.
You inspire me because you hold no grudges.
You inspire me because you put forth amazing effort to lead a balanced life with business, male friends, family, religion, exercise, rest and relaxation etc.
You inspire me because even when you are the big fish in the small business pond, you never gain an ounce of narcissism.
You inspire me because you yearn to learn more about everything and actually read, participate, etc. in new things rather than just talking about doing it.
You inspire me because you are incredibly unselfish and truly want the people around you to be happy and successful in all aspects of life; even if that may clash with your personal views or values.
Of course there’s more, but those are the thoughts that easily came to mind.

Now I have to ask you, who wouldn’t want feedback like this?  Needless to say my friend was speechless.  As he put it, “I have worked with this person for almost seven years.  We have a great working relationship and I respect her a lot as a colleague and person.  And while I believe she respects me and my point of view, I had no idea that she felt the way she did.  I’m very glad that I asked.”

Ask yourself who you find inspirational and even if they’ve not asked for it, send them a list like the one above.  It is a great way to show your gratitude this Thanksgiving.