This prize feels more precious than Bangkok’s Grand Palace!
Before we left on winter vacation, I forced all my students here in Boston to write Appreciation Cards. We defined an “Appreciation Card” as a letter (decorated nicely) telling someone why you appreciate and admire them.
The power of such a card is massive! We think people around us know how much we care about them and why, but how often do we actually say it? In fact, our loved ones may not realize the extent of our love at all! That is… until we take the time to really explain and give thanks.
Today I’m giddy with happiness because I just received an equivalent to an Appreciation Card: I won first prize in the contest for Top Travel Blogging Diva of 2010!!!!
The award is cooler than a baby leopard and tiger in Thailand!
The Travel Blogging Diva contest has been raging for the past few weeks on the awesome travel blog, 1000fights.com, run by Luci and Mike: a married couple who are always traveling, always fighting, and always delightful.
The prize came with a really lovely write-up about my travels, teaching, and two websites, which you can read by clicking here.
Now, in full disclosure, one reason I won is because I threatened to beat up anyone who didn’t vote for me. But that aside, this award still makes me really happy. Why? Because I have put so much love and time into www.AroundTheWorldL.com and www.TeachingTraveling.com, and sometimes I get a little… well… sad when the daily viewer stats aren’t skyrocketing each day as I want them to be!
Giving appreciation can open magical gates, like the Grand Palace!
Bottom line: I am a strong, confident woman… but receiving appreciation like this contest still has a lovely impact, and feels great!
Now for your homework: Take the time today to tell at least one person in your life the specific ways you admire and thank them. Report back with the results of your words! You may be pleasantly surprised at your power to create happiness and connection.
Click here for the article on Thailand’s Grand Palace, or here for the article on the baby leopard!
The author, Lillie Marshall, is 6-foot-tall National Board Certified Teacher of English, fitness fan, and mother of two who has been a public school educator since 2003. She launched Around the World “L” Travel and Life Blog in 2009, and over 3.7 million readers have now visited this site. Lillie also runs TeachingTraveling.com and DrawingsOf.com. Subscribe to her monthly newsletter, and follow @WorldLillie on social media!
Jackie Foley
Friday 27th of May 2011
Congrats Ms.Mashall! You really desever this award. I also love your photo of the Grand Palace gates!
Huabao Huang
Thursday 28th of April 2011
Did you really went to Bangkok last Christmas vacation? That's so lucky. I was stuck home. Ms. Marshall, I didn't give the Appreciation Card to the friend I was writing to. But on the interviews we did for homework last night and tonight, I actually knew that I made her feel bad a lot of times and I didn't realize it. On the bright side that now I know, I said sorry to her and promise won't do it again.
~Huabao
Brendan Harriette
Tuesday 8th of March 2011
:O You got to hold a Lepord, that's cool! You write so much I'd be surprised if they gave this award to anyone else, congrats.
shirley leung
Monday 7th of March 2011
Congrats on winning the award! You did a good job!
Michela
Tuesday 1st of March 2011
Congratulations! Well done Lillie! :)