By Louisa Smyth, published 22 January 2026
In December, my 7-year-old’s favourite Christmas card came from one of his best friends. What made it special wasn’t the card itself - it was that it was handmade.
Last year, this same friend gave my son a birthday gift wrapped in paper he had decorated himself. He’d taken plain paper and spent hours drawing pictures all over it. And you know what? A year later, my son doesn’t remember the gift itself. But he does remember how it made him feel - cared for, thought about, valued.
The Power of Making People Feel Valued
This story reminded me of a quote by Maya Angelou:
"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."
It’s simple, but it’s true. People remember emotions more than objects or words. The way we make someone feel can leave a lasting impression, sometimes for a lifetime.
How to Apply Thoughtfulness in Everyday Life
I try to live by this principle in my work. Sometimes it looks like practical help:
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CV advice
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Interview preparation
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Constructive, actionable feedback delivered thoughtfully
Other times, it’s smaller, but just as meaningful:
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A listening ear
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A pep talk
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A heartfelt “you’ve got this”
I can’t help every person I meet - I wish I could! - but when I do connect with someone, my goal is to leave them a little better off than when we started.
Keep Going Through Challenges
A job search can be difficult, especially in a tough market. Life can throw challenges our way. But small acts of care, support, and encouragement can make all the difference.
If you’re in the trenches right now - whether it’s your career or life in general - keep going. Focus on connection, kindness, and the impact you leave on others. You might be surprised how long that impact lasts.
