Dec 25, 2024
In this episode of the Tactical Living Podcast, hosts Coach Ashlie Walton and Sergeant Clint Walton explore a common challenge faced by first responders: feeling uncomfortable or unsure about how to accept praise when someone says, “Thank you for your service.” Inspired by a recent post in the Police, Fire, Military, and Families Facebook group, this conversation is for anyone who struggles to navigate these moments with grace and confidence.
Why Accepting Praise Can Feel Uncomfortable:
Understand why first responders often feel hesitant to accept
gratitude, whether it’s due to humility, guilt, or the nature of
their work.
Five Ways to Handle ""Thank You for Your Service"" with Grace:
1. Acknowledge and Accept with a Simple Response:
Example: Respond with “Thank you, I appreciate that” or “It’s an
honor to serve.”
Why It’s Beneficial: Acknowledging the thanks shows appreciation
without making the exchange feel awkward or dismissive.
2. Redirect the Praise Toward the Team:
Example: Say, “It’s a team effort, and I’m proud to work
alongside incredible people.”
Why It’s Beneficial: Highlighting the collective work of your team
shifts the focus and reinforces camaraderie.
3. Use It as an Opportunity to Educate:
Example: Respond with, “Thank you—it’s a challenging job, but
it’s worth it when we can make a difference.”
Why It’s Beneficial: Sharing a little about your role can help
bridge understanding and foster a stronger connection with the
community.
4. Internalize the Gratitude:
Example: Take a moment to reflect on what their praise means,
even if it feels uncomfortable in the moment.
Why It’s Beneficial: Recognizing that their gratitude is genuine
can help you embrace your work's positive impact.
5. Be Humble Without Dismissing the Thanks:
Example: Avoid minimizing their gratitude by saying things like,
“I’m just doing my job.” Instead, say, “Thank you—it means a lot to
hear that.”
Why It’s Beneficial: Validating their thanks makes the interaction
meaningful for both parties.
Why It’s Okay to Feel Awkward:
Learn why many first responders find praise uncomfortable and why it’s normal to feel this way due to the nature of the profession.
How Praise Reflects the Community’s Gratitude:
Understand how these expressions of thanks represent the community’s appreciation for your sacrifices and contributions.
Steps to Make These Interactions Easier Over Time:
Gain insights into how small mindset shifts and practice can help you feel more confident and comfortable when receiving praise.
Why This Matters:
As a first responder, your work leaves a profound impact on the communities you serve. Learning how to accept gratitude gracefully not only honors the person offering thanks but also reminds you of the value and importance of your service.
Listen now to discover how you can handle “Thank you for your
service” moments with authenticity and ease.
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All viewpoints discussed in this episode are for entertainment
purposes only and are simply our opinions based off of our own
experience, background and education.
Want to be a guest on Tactical Living? Send Ashlie Walton a message
on PodMatch, here: https://www.podmatch.com/hostdetailpreview/1594754484675x841981803913560400
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