Recognition and Receipts

Day 37:

Two activities activated some questions for me today….

At school today I posted some exceptional student work on a bulletin board in my class. While doing so I couldn’t help but realize that this recognition also served as an indicator of the progress so far this year; the posted work speaks of the student accomplishments as well as the material we’ve covered.

This made me wonder.

Why do we stop posting human accomplishment on the fridge once a person turns a certain age? Does the discontinuation of this paternal ritual declare that humans no longer possess a need or desire of praise for a job well done? I know adults rarely ace math exams, but how cool would it be if an adult were able to proudly post on his or her fridge the certificate a mechanic gives you after an oil change that read, “Well done. You’re taking great care of your car!”

After school today I returned something to BestBuy because it wasn’t working properly. And without a hassle I got my money back (I must admit that it probably helped I had the original packaging and receipt).

But how cool would it be if in real life when something didn’t work right, we just got to take it back?

Imagine….“Did I just hurt your feelings? Here, let me just take that back. Look, I even have my receipt. If you give me a chance I can make it like it never happened.”
Oh wait, I guess we kinda do – I think it’s called apologizing.

Today I learned that I can’t wait to put some adult level accomplishment on my fridge.
I also learned avoiding mistakes is best since there are not return policies in the store of life; but when necessary, apologies can serve to restore.