Exceptional

You can expect competence.

You can anticipate goodness.

But you just can't presume exceptional is going to be the norm.

Whether it's a friend, family member, colleague, server, teacher, doctor, accountant, receptionist, cashier, nurse, neighbor, or custodian – as soon as you expect everyone to be as incredible as the one superstar who is the exception to the rule, you're miserable.

I've definitely learned since Gabrielle was born, from medical staff to friends and family, to fully and wholly appreciate the people who are special and incredible ...

The people who are especially and incredibly competent ...

And learning to appreciate their exceptionality, instead of focusing on how others aren't like them, has been one of the wonderful lessons I've picked up through this.

The next time someone does something exceptional for you, let them know how much you appreciate it. It'll make their day and remind them that their extra efforts are not going unnoticed.

For what it's worth.