Today I felt like I just needed to tell you something…

You are doing an excellent job.

I mean that. 

Designers, I know you spend time finding just the right flowers for your customers. I know you think through the colors, textures, shapes and sizes of those flowers. You contemplate where to place each one. I see you going the extra mile when no one asked (and when they do). I see that steady stream of stems and leaves on the floor, those buckets, your packed cars and to do list. I know it’s easy to feel like you’re falling behind, you won’t make it or it’s just too much. You aren’t alone. I’ve been there and there are hundreds of people reading along with you who feel that way too. Don’t let these thoughts overshadow the truth of what is really happening in these moments — excellent work. 

New designers, I’ve been in your shoes too. You might find that steady stream of stems on the floor to be enviable, but you too are doing excellent work as you press on when things feel slow. Slow is how all the good things start.

Farmers, while I’ve never experienced the pressures you feel day-to-day personally, I see you in the sun, the rain, the wind and snow. I see that side entryway to your house with all those muddy boots — boots which could only belong to someone who is brave, open to adventure and a leader in patience and faithfulness. I see the clipper belt you strap to your waist, the hose you unwrap and the bucket you fill with water and carry into the field. You survey, you select, you clip, care and deliver with a smile — excellent work.

Excellent isn’t a word we use much today. Let’s bring it back. Let’s develop eyes to see it. Let’s cut through the cloud of this lens called perfectionism and recognize the excellent work being done around us every day. Let’s call it out in others. Let’s call it out in ourselves. Let’s focus our attention on the excellent and praiseworthy things.

Life is too short to do it any other way…