Day 3: Applause!

I recently joined a local choir, The Broadway Chorus, and we’re currently in rehearsal for our Fall show. One of the songs we’re doing has turned into an ear worm and I can’t get it out of my head:

What is it that we’re living for?
Applause! Applause!
Nothing I know
Brings on the glow
Like sweet applause!

You’re thinking you’re through
That nobody cares
And suddenly you
Hear it
Starting!

And somehow you’re in charge again
And life’s a ball!
Trumpets all sing
Life seems to swing
And you’re the king of it all – ‘cuz

You’ve had a taste of
The sound that says Love –
Applause! Applause!

Why do we live this crazy life? What is it for?
Fears disappear
Soon as you hear
That happy audience roar – ‘cuz

We’ve had a taste of
The sound that says Love –
Applause! Applause!

(from the Broadway Musical APPLAUSE, Lyrics by Lee Adams)

So, I was singing it in the shower for the 97th time this morning, and a thought came to me:

How often do we not hear the applause that is showered on us?

How often do we not allow people to appreciate us?

It took me a long time to learn how to say “Thank You” to a compliment, which is what applause is. To say a real “Thank You,” not just a brush off to get them to stop saying nice things, but to really hear it and appreciate it. That takes practice and mindfulness. And confidence.

Applause is also a way for people to say “Thank You” to us. As a small business person who provides a service rather than a product, my product is myself and the progress I help people make. I must allow people to say “Thank You” to me, both through applause and through paying me for those services.

Which reminds me of the old joke, “No applause, please. Just throw money.”

As small business people, we (I) want and need both the applause and the money. I am learning to accept them both with pride.

How about you?