🦃 It’s funny, isn’t it?
We spend the year optimizing everything—habits, workflows, inboxes, macros. But gratitude? That gets one day. One seat at the table. Usually squeezed in between “pass the rolls” and “is that pie or soup?”
We have gratitude journals. Gratitude apps. Gratitude meditations led by softly lit voices and $80 candles.
But most people still wait until Thanksgiving to say it out loud.
Just once. Just quickly. Just before the mashed potatoes get cold.
Here’s the thing: Gratitude isn’t a performance. It’s a practice. A stretch. A pause button for your brain before the next sprint.
And sometimes—if you’re lucky—it’s also a man named Tyler.
I once worked with a large lumberjack of a man named Tyler. Built like a WWE wrestler, and as kind as a waiter angling for a Michelin star tip. He used to send out an email called “The Daily Awesome.” Every day, without fail, Tyler found something—or someone—worth appreciating. And he made sure the rest of us saw it too.
I’ve tried to recreate that practice many times since. And honestly? I don’t remember Tyler’s job title. But I do remember how he made people feel.
There’s a quote that floats around in my mental spin cycle: “People may forget what you said or did—but they’ll never forget how you made them feel.” Tyler is the case study. The blueprint. And he didn’t need a holiday to do it.
It takes a certain kind of bravery to show appreciation—especially, let’s be honest, for men.
Not in a dramatic, teary-eyed Oscar speech kind of way. In a quiet, steady, “I see you” kind of way.
Years ago, after much experimentation and a few startled glances, I landed on saying just three words: “I appreciate you.”
It still throws people off. Partly because they’re not sure if I’m being sincere or clever (fair). But mostly because… we don’t do that. Not often. Not out loud. And certainly not without an occasion to hide behind.
In many corners of the working world, showing gratitude gets mislabeled as weakness. As softness. As something that slows you down instead of lifting others up.
But the truth? Appreciation is power. And the confidence to say “I see you” might be the bravest flex of all.
So here’s a challenge, if you’re not that person yet:
Start this week. Use the holiday as cover if you must. Say “I appreciate you.” Say it once. Then try again Tuesday again. Then see what happens.
You might become someone’s Tyler.
And Tyler from Arcadis—whatever your last name was—I appreciate you.
👇… so what are you grateful for?👇
So here’s your moment. Your first Daily Awesome.
You don’t need a journal. Or a candle. Or permission. Just drop one thing you’re grateful for in the comments— A person. A moment. A ridiculous Slack gif that saved your Monday. Doesn’t have to be profound. Just has to be real.
Who knows? You might start a habit. Or a ripple. Or a thread that makes someone else feel seen.
Let’s normalize gratitude. Not perform it.
Your move, Tyler-in-training.
📝 This reflection is part of The Deductionists—a league of sharp minds unraveling the peculiar and overlooked. Because if we don’t question it, who will?
🎙 Listen to The Deconstructionists Podcast on Apple | Spotify or anywhere you get your podcasts. Listen now: 👉 Apple Podcasts 👉 Spotify
🔗 www.TheDeductionists.com (with extra content)