Meaning Over Recognition

As I spoke before many, sharing a message that moved the audience,

leading them towards healing and growth,

I felt their steps towards transformation.

As I guided men a decade or two my senior,

encouraging them to release old ways while I worked on my own,

I taught my peers to seek more.

I received praise and affirmation, yet I disliked the accolades,

though I still said, “Thank you.”

I didn’t seek recognition or validation, though I still said, “Thank you.”

What I do is for others, praise may accompany it,

but impact often comes without it.

I prefer to hear, “I needed to hear that.”

I prefer to know what someone will do with the insight.

I prefer to see that my words and actions have truly added value to someone’s life.