Many avoidable issues arise when someone is underappreciated; bitterness, resentment, anger, and a lack of motivation are just a few. Whether it's at home, in relationships, in the workplace, volunteering, or any number of other things, lack of recognition or respect for the things you work tirelessly for is something that far too many people are too familiar with.
When not feeling appreciated, it's fairly easy to feel taken advantage of. Generally, when people are feeling this way, they become resentful and modify their behavior. If that one co-worker who covers every single shift they are asked to, without ever hearing a word of gratitude, needs an occasional shift covered and doesn't get a single offer to help, that co-worker is more than likely going to feel used, and may not jump at the chance to help.
It's easy to forget the hard work people put into things and everything they may do to help others with various tasks. A thank you or a gesture of appreciation is often forgotten about and overlooked, but that simple word or action of thanks can go much farther than you think.
People love recognition. They crave it. Positive recognition makes people feel good and motivates them to continue on with their hard work and everyday activities. But at the same time, just because you feel underappreciated, does not necessarily mean you are.
If you're dedicating your time to do something for an individual or some sort of organization, don't feel taken advantage of just because you didn't get that shout out you've been waiting for. Even if it doesn't seem like your superiors or coworkers appreciate you, look a little deeper for those who do, because I promise they are there. Whether you're pouring coffee, writing for a blog, teaching a class, or simply making dinner for your family, your actions are appreciated and they're making a difference to somebody's life.
Don't let external sources change how you behave or what you do because you're not feeling appreciated. That's not to say tht you should let people take advantage of you, because that is never acceptable, but don't think that no one appreciates the small things you do, just because you don't see obvious signs of it. I promise you, you are appreciated by someone, in every little thing you do.
