Essay

Raise your glass

By Samantha Loong

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In March, a former manager's husband suddenly contacted me. He had been trying to get in touch with all her friends for several years to tell us that she very suddenly passed away three years ago.

I initially felt awful that I had lost touch with this manager, who had become a friend. I felt that I had taken our friendship for granted, thinking that she would always be there to be contacted. But actually, it's not that I take my friends for granted, it's that I tend to see that my glass is half full. I'm optimistic that my friends will be happy and healthy. Besides, surely most people aren't constantly thinking about what sort of illnesses their friends might suddenly get.

However, this experience has made me realise that there were so many wonderful things about my friend that I never got to tell her. It also made me think about the number of people that bring a smile to our faces every day, but have no idea that they do. From friendly checkout clerks to the telephone operator who actually helped solve your computer problem, I now can't help but wonder if they know that they have genuinely made a positive difference in someone's life. They might think that they're just doing their job, but I believe that we should try harder to let people know that they really matter. That they are respected and needed in the world.

You might think that telling complete strangers this is difficult. But if I've had a particularly great experience with an organisation's staff, I just get in touch with their customer service department. It's actually more difficult telling someone how much you appreciate them if you know them in some way, for example if you work together.

I feel like we spend the majority of our lives working, so our workmates should really be people we love working with. But it seems a little awkward to swivel around in your chair, hug your colleague and tell them that they're the best. Although I've discovered that this is actually possible with some co-workers, it'd be nice to be able to do this in all workplaces without being sued. I for one have led a very charmed working life. I have worked with some of the most talented, energetic, passionate, organised people out there. My workmates have been encouraging, inspiring and a joy to work with. I have learned a lot from them and I have laughed a lot with them. Anyone that makes me smile on a daily basis instantly has a place in my heart — and to have any of them suddenly disappear from my life, even a workmate, leaves a little piece of me somewhat broken.

I guess life, like a glass, is pretty fragile. So whether we think our glass is half full or half empty, we should all make a bigger effort to raise our glasses and celebrate the people who make our lives better every day.

乾杯する

先月、筆者は昔の上司の夫から突然連絡を受け、慕っていた元上司が他界していたことを知らされた。この残念な知らせを聞いて、普段接する周囲の人々に対して感謝の気持ちを伝えることの大切さを改めて実感したという。

The Japan Times ST: April 26, 2013