Sometimes the greatest compliments you get in life arrive unexpectedly and often in disguise. Like the mom at school who said to me the other day, "You always seem so happy and positive." She doesn't know it, but that little observation gave me an incredible boost of energy when I actually was somewhat emotionally depleted. It's amazing what power simple words can yield.
In talking with one of my editors last week, he casually lamented about obstacles that had come up in putting his current magazine issue to bed. I dutifully asked if there had been any problems with the articles I submitted weeks before.
He laughed, "No, you're easy. You're not cheap, but you're easy." After a moment, I realized that I can absolutely live with that assessment. Particularly at this stage in my life when I'm continually trying to balance professional goals with family and personal needs, that's a huge compliment.
My time is valuable, and I work hard to make sure everything I do is done efficiently. While that doesn't always happen in my personal life, it's a great comfort to know my professional associates consider me "easy, but not cheap."
