When No One Says Thank You…

Do You Do It for Love, or for Praise?

Have you ever found yourself doing something kind or thoughtful for others...and deep down, hoping for a thank you, a bit of appreciation, or maybe even a returned favor?

Let’s say you love to cook. You pour your heart into preparing meals for your family or friends, and it makes you feel warm inside... especially when they finish everything on the table, or give you compliments. But what if, one day, they’re too tired, too full, or just not in the mood to eat, even after all your time and effort?

Would you feel hurt? Unseen? Maybe even angry inside, like your heart’s on fire?

It’s okay. Those emotions are completely normal. Many of us experience this...the sting of being unappreciated, even when our intentions were good.

But here’s a little perspective I’ve learned and would love to share.

If you truly enjoy cooking (I do too, by the way 😊), does it really need to depend on others’ reactions? If they don’t say thank you or don’t eat as much that day...does it make your effort any less meaningful?

When you do something from the heart, out of joy, love, and self-expression...not obligation...then appreciation becomes a bonus, not a need. If you begin to feel like you have to do something, that’s when resentment or disappointment can sneak in.

So instead, do it because you love it. Because it makes you feel good.

This mindset applies to everything...not just cooking. Whether it’s advice you offer, help you give, or the effort you put into anything… if it comes from pressure or needing validation, you’ll feel empty when no one notices. And eventually, if you keep following what others tell you to do, without listening to yourself...you’ll lose your spark. You'll start to feel like a lifeless version of yourself, just drifting… waiting… fading.

So please, always follow your heart.

Praise is sweet, yes. But don’t let the lack of it stop you from doing what lights you up. You are worthy...with or without applause.

And when no one praises you, will you lie on your bed forever and stop living your truth?

I hope not.

I hope you smile, keep going, and keep doing what you love...just because you love it.

With lots of love 💓