As I cleaned up after a recent District event, my attention was only half-focused on the District Director’s words. I was busy with tasks, but when I recognized the names being mentioned, I couldn’t help but silently congratulate those being honored. It struck me that the District Director has a real gift for recognizing others’ contributions, and I quietly admired how she consistently finds ways to express that sincere appreciation.
I often think of myself as lacking in the “thoughtfulness” department. My moments of self-reflection often leave me wondering if I truly demonstrate my gratitude as well as I could. It’s easy to appreciate the people who have impacted my life over my 30 years in Toastmasters, but intentionally showing that appreciation is another matter altogether.
When we first join Toastmasters, it’s usually because we feel incomplete in some way. We seek to improve a skill, boost our confidence, or change a part of ourselves that we perceive as lacking. At that point, it’s a personal journey—one where we focus on what we can gain for ourselves. But as the years go by, something unexpected happens. We grow. Our goals evolve beyond self-improvement to something much more profound: we start seeing growth in others. We begin to share our knowledge, offer advice, and mentor new members. In that process, we also see their growth, their blossoming, and it fills us with a sense of pride and fulfillment.
This shift, from being someone in need of support to someone offering it, is one of the most beautiful transformations I’ve experienced in Toastmasters. I can look back and see how much my focus has shifted—from focusing solely on my own development to celebrating and encouraging the development of others. We begin to recognize leadership potential in others, sometimes even before they see it in themselves.
And this is where the true magic lies.
We stay in Toastmasters not just because of the skills we gain or the confidence we build, but because we become inspired by seeing others grow. We find joy in being the encourager, the teacher, the mentor. And helping others, we also fulfill our own need to be appreciated. It’s not about grand gestures or elaborate awards. Instead, it’s the small moments: the smiles, the hugs, the kind words shared with us or about us. Those simple acts of support and encouragement serve as a reminder that we are seen, valued, and appreciated.
That is the essence of service and volunteering—it's the shared, unspoken connection we build when we take the time to appreciate others. It’s humbling. I didn’t expect that recognition when the District Director called my name at that recent event, but I was deeply touched when she announced, “In recognition of her contributions to the public good through over 10,000 hours of volunteer leadership, I am proud to present to IPDD Vickie Goodman, on behalf of Joseph R. Biden, the President’s Lifetime Achievement Award.”
In that moment, I realized that while we may not seek recognition for the things we do, those simple everyday expressions of gratitude from those around us that have tremendous impact. They remind us that the work we do matters, not just to ourselves but to others as well.
Whether it’s to a friend, a colleague, or someone who’s helped you along the way, taking a moment to acknowledge their efforts can have a lasting impact. The simple acts of kindness and support that we share with others are more powerful than we might ever know.
As I reflect on this moment, I think about the incredible opportunity I might have as a potential Toastmasters International Director. I am excited to contribute my experience and skills to the greater good of our organization, learning from new mentors to broaden my expertise and eventually, sharing those lessons learned with other Toastmasters. I also recognize how important it is to express my gratitude for this journey. Thank you for this opportunity.
Vickie, your post beautifully captures the essence of appreciation and the profound impact of recognizing others. Your reflections on growth, mentorship, and service truly resonate. It’s inspiring to see how small acts of gratitude create lasting connections and empower others to reach their potential. Thank you for sharing this heartfelt message!