Gratitude Makes It All Worth It

It was around November of 1986 and my Karate Teacher (Sensei Luis Chiock) had just returned from coaching the Peruvian National Team at the World Karate Championship in Sydney, Australia. I remember him wearing the Peruvian emblem on the left chest of his Karate uniform, and I was so inspired by it. I thought, "wow, my Sensei is the coach of the national team."

However, to my surprise, about a year later he left the coaching position, and returned to teaching full time at our dojo. A few years later, I asked him why he left the prestigious coaching job at the national team. He said, "It is a very thankless job, you may pour your heart out to the athletes, but one seldom gets any credit or thanks. The athletes usually credit their success to their own training and their particular karate teachers. So I'd rather focus on my own students." (I am paraphrasing since it's been about three decades since that conversation took place).

For some reason that stuck with me through the years. It made me think about many things, such as how many people have jobs that are thankless, such as teachers, nurses, policemen, foster parents, etc., but they stick with it because it's their calling and they love what they do.

It also reminds me that, at times, I may take someone's help for granted and fail to properly show my gratitude. So I try to be more aware; aware of my duty to at least, say "thank you for what you've done for me", however large or small.

My Sensei knew that focusing on his students was his most fulfilling calling, because his students were grateful. I know the feeling too well, because my most treasured awards are the handwritten notes I often get from current and former students. Their gratitude is what makes my job worth every minute spent on and off the mats with them.

So I ask you, can you make someone's job worth their while? A simple thank you note, a word of encouragement, or a quick phone call. That's all it takes. So take the time, now, to tell your teacher, your boss, mom, dad, friend, uncle, etc…."Thank you! I appreciate you!" It may be the best gift they get all day, week, or even that whole month. And while you may think they already know… it is always great to hear.

To all those folks who put in the daily work without much recognition, police officers on the late shifts, teachers grading papers at home, a parent caring for a sick child, and many nameless others, from all of us who benefit from your efforts, thank you for all you do!