Maslow Got It Right

For most of us, today is the end of the work week.  It was a short week for me because I took a much-needed respite and returned to work Wednesday.  I was a bit apprehensive about returning for a lot of reasons — mainly fear of the unknown. I was so concerned that people would ask me why I was out two days. Those who know me know that I’m a private person and only disclose what I consider “my business” to those I trust.  When I shared a tribute to my aunt with a few thousand of my closest friends on Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, and Tumblr earlier in the week, “my business” became public business on purpose.  I needed to get it out. I needed to express my love for her and to show those that I love that I’m ok.

I’m ok because of all of you.  I get what I need every single day because God gives me that opportunity each time he awakens me at 3:00 a.m. to the sound of Dawn Chorus — the sound of chirping birds accompanied by soft piano music that wafts a short distance from my phone to my ears. It’s a gentle reminder that I get a fresh start each day and an opportunity to get what I need.

So, there’s this guy named Abraham Maslow.  You might have heard of him.  He is best known for his hierarchy of needs in which he helps us to understand what motivates people.  He believed that humans are motivated to achieve certain needs, starting with basic ones like food, water, and shelter.  Once those are met, we work toward achieving the next level and the next level until we’re self-actualized. It makes sense, but if you take time to read all of his research, you might wish that you hadn’t.  No offense to Abe, but I wish I hadn’t read it all.

Spoiler Alert: He believed that only a handful of us would ever experience self-actualization.

Whether his belief is accurate or not isn’t up for debate. You just need to determine what’s true for you. On a personal note, I think Maslow got it right (sort of).

Before I arrived at work Wednesday morning, I almost chickened out.  I didn’t think that I was emotionally ready for questions and I’m sorrys. Instead I was greeted with lots and lots of smiles, beautiful cards discreetly placed in my mailbox, on my desk, and on the seat of my chair in my office.  I was welcomed with lots of warm embraces and so many “We missed you” exclamations. It was silly of me to think for one second that my family would do anything but treat me with tender care.  I’m so blessed to get what I need each day (Philippians 4:19).  It is my prayer that you do as well.