The Story Of “I Feel Unappreciated”

Linda had worked very hard on the new marketing campaign and coming up with new and innovative ways to produce sale copy for their client.

She was happy with the end result, and today, she would find out if it was to be accepted by the client.

Her boss, Ian, had not given her much input and had not been very forthcoming with feedback, so she was a bit nervous sitting in the boardroom waiting for everyone to arrive.

Ian had advised her that she would be called on to present the presentation. However, he would lead the discussion at the beginning and at the end.

Linda knew the presentation well and was happy to present it.

As the meeting commenced, Ian took the reins and began speaking about the sales presentation and how much work had been put into it, without mentioning any names, before inviting Linda to speak.

After Linda had concluded to a very satisfied customer, Ian began to speak again, accepting the praise from the client without acknowledging or recognizing that it was Linda’s ideas and hard work.

Linda felt hurt, deflated, and unappreciated as she listened to Ian take the praise and credit and kept thinking to herself, “I feel very unappreciated at work”.

We all want to feel valued, to receive the “pat on our back” or the gold star, and the feel-good feeling of having done a great job.

We want to feel pride and pleasure of receiving praise and positive feedback as this validates us as individuals. It says we are seen, heard, and valued by those around us.

However, many people feel undervalued and unappreciated in their workplace and other areas of their life.

Perhaps you have felt like screaming at your family, friends, or a loved one, saying, “After everything I do or have done for you, you treat me like this?”

The feeling of being undervalued and unappreciated is hurtful and makes us challenge and question our self-worth and the effort we continue to put into our work and relationships.

So, this week’s challenge is to not wait for someone else to acknowledge and treat you better, but to treat yourself better first. Celebrate your small wins. If you have done a great job, buy a good bottle of wine, or flowers, or a new book, and enjoy it. You have done great, so give yourself a treat because you deserve it.

Acknowledge and see the importance and value of who you are.

Although others may not recognize your accomplishments or what you have done for them, never let anyone make you feel lesser.

Know you are important, very important. Recognize the qualities in yourself that others do not see and appreciate and begin to acknowledge and praise yourself daily.

Know your value and worth.

Forever creating
Deborah Ruth