You know how kids fall over and need someone to kiss their titties? It seems that the tears do not stop and the grimaces on their faces remain until they receive that magical kiss.

Well, a few months ago I was visiting my niece, Ashley. Let me tell you that she is a 3 year old girl rich in personality. She was sitting on the back deck with some family members while the children played in front of us, around us, and sometimes on top of us. You know what I mean, right?

While they were playing, Ashley fell and hurt her knee. I watched her from the other side of the deck and noticed that the corners of her mouth were starting to drift up to her chin. I thought for sure that her tears came with a frantic call for Mom to kiss her knee and make her feel better.

But to my surprise, she quickly looked around, noticed that mom wasn’t around, and then leaned in to kiss her own booboo. She looked up with a smile on her face and then ran off to play with the other children. It was as if she was thinking: Hmmm, do I wait for someone to kiss me and make it better or do I kiss it myself to continue playing and having fun? Yes, I’ll kiss him myself! Why wait?

I have reflected on this situation many times. Thinking of this girl that she decides to kiss her own booboo. Also thinking about how many times adults wait and wait and wait for someone to kiss their tits. Yes, especially the internal ones.

Maybe it’s the feeling of not being appreciated or valued. You think your efforts are worth gold but no one seems to notice. Or maybe it’s the staff member that you go the extra mile for, but your efforts are barely recognized. Or maybe it’s the team member spreading rumors about you.

There is a success strategy that I am going to share with you. It comes straight from a 3 year old.

Kiss your own booboo!

When you’re in a place where you think no one appreciates you, appreciate yourself. On your way to work buy your favorite flowers and show them off with pride. Write yourself a thank you note for all the wonderful things you’ve done. Enjoy your favorite gift. Buy yourself something to celebrate. Make yourself a cake. Watch one of your favorite movies in honor of yourself.

Sometimes you have to decide that it’s not worth it to wait for someone else to acknowledge you or for a coworker to stop their hurtful behaviors. Sometimes you have to kiss it and move on!