A Flourish for the First Time
The Magic of Recognition
Yesterday at Stacks, I witnessed, yet again, how the smallest offerings can create the most beautiful moments of human connection.
Emma wasn’t just our server. She was a bright light moving through the dining room, her energy genuinely lifting everyone around her. You know those rare people who just radiate something special? That was Emma.
After she took our order and brought water to our table, I said, “Emma, this is for you,” giving her the little handmade token I had in my jacket pocket—colorful, patchwork-patterned, with “KEEP GOING” emblazoned across its center.
Just a small acknowledgment of her beautiful presence. This wasn’t in lieu of a traditional tip given at the end the meal … this was more an acknowledgment of her graciousness and enthusiasm.
When Emma returned with our meals, my little token was proudly pinned to her blouse. Her eyes lit up as she announced, “I love this so much! Thank you for turning my morning around. This is my flourish for the day!”
My heart swelled. In the seven years I’ve been offering these little tokens of appreciation, I’ve seen people tuck them into wallets or pin them to staff boards. But Emma claiming it immediately as her personal “flourish”? That was a first—a beautiful, spontaneous embracing of being seen.
As we left, I gave another token to Lawton, her colleague who snapped this group photo of us at Emma’s behest. He held it up and said, “I will hold on to this with pride. It’s a small thing but it means a lot to me.”
Two tiny gestures. Two human connections. Countless ripples flowing outward.
Isn't it amazing how recognition works? It’s not about grand gestures or expensive gifts. It’s about the moment of seeing—truly seeing—another person beyond their functional role and acknowledging their humanity.
In a world that increasingly feel fragmented and distant, these small bridges create community. They remind us that beneath our various roles—customer, server, colleague, stranger—we’re all just humans moving through our days, longing for connection.
Little tokens, big ripples.
What small gesture might you offer today? Who in your path needs that moment of being truly seen?