If you feel your heart is dry! What you need most right now might be 'strokes'

When you take a breath after finishing work.

Don't you ever think, 'I haven't really talked to anyone all day today'?

Days that pass by with just LINE stickers or a simple 'Understood'.

Yet, you feel strangely tired, and your mind feels empty.

That might be a sign that you are lacking 'strokes'.

A stroke is 'an action that acknowledges the existence of another person'.

It is a concept proposed by psychologist Eric Berne, and it can be words, facial expressions, or gestures.

For example, a simple 'good morning' or a warm gaze,
are all messages that say, 'I know you are here'.

When working as a company employee, there are many situations where you have to suppress your emotions, right?

'Results come before my own feelings'

'I'd rather do it all myself than rely on someone else'

As we continue to work hard like that,
we forget both how to give and receive 'strokes'.

When I was a company employee, I was a bundle of self-negation and didn't acknowledge myself.

And there was a time when, far from being acknowledged by my boss, I wasn't even praised, but rather denied.

Looking back now, I think it was painful.

I understand now.

People live on strokes.

No matter how quiet or tough someone acts, deep down in their heart, they wish to be 'acknowledged' and 'seen'.

For example, just by adding a word like 'You helped me' to a subordinate's report,
the other person's heart will soften.

Just by asking a colleague, 'Aren't you tired lately?',
that person's day becomes a little lighter.

Such small interactions are the lubricant of human relationships.

And what is important is to give strokes not only to others but also to yourself.

'You worked hard again today'

'Let's get some proper rest'

If you have a habit of saying such words to yourself,
your heart will gradually become filled.

Strokes are a form of mental care that costs no money or time, but is definitely effective.

If you are currently hurt by someone's cold words,
or if you don't know your own worth,
let's say this at the end of the day.

'I am here. I am doing my best.'

Those words will raise the temperature of your heart just a little bit.

Strokes are a gentle magic that brings your heart back to life.

I also waver every day, but I value my feelings in order to live a life without regrets.

I would be happy if we could walk through such days together.

Thank you for reading until the end.

If something resonated with you, please let me know with a like or a comment.

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May gentle light shine upon your every day.