A Message of Gratitude
11/1/22
I enjoy writing. Most of my thoughts are structured like paragraphs, and I frequently go back within a train of thought to edit a word or phrase so that I sound more coherent to myself.
That being said, I’m not a perfect writer. There will be errors in my posts. I may break grammar rules, or play with punctuation in a way that is not entirely proper. For example, I enjoy commas more than I should, and will overuse them over and over in order to type how I talk since I put commas wherever I’d pause while speaking. I also enjoy the occasional run-on sentence, as a treat.
But since this is my space to babble on about whatever is fluttering around in my brain - I can type however I want. You’re welcome to join me and enjoy yourself enjoying me, or you can decide to spend your time elsewhere. Both options are fine.
I was torn between starting a blog or making a monthly newsletter, and I settled (for now) on the blog. Why? Because a blog is for everyone who is even remotely curious, and a newsletter is only for those who have signed up (and let’s face it, it would likely end up in most people’s spam folders). Additionally, I dislike due dates. I would feel the looming presence of a monthly newsletter every day, whereas a blog post can be written if and when I feel a spark of shareable thought. And so, this.
For my first topic, it seemed only fitting to make it about my clients. A shout-out, if you will. Or maybe a love note. Perhaps the most fitting would be a message of gratitude.
I practice my gratitude often, although I could be even more mindful of them. I’m working on that. It can be so easy to forget all that we have to be thankful for, as the things that cause us stress and unhappiness can, unfortunately, weigh more on our minds than the positives. My clients make my gratitude list, every single time.
Simply put, they spoil me. I know some of you are rolling your eyes, thinking I speak only of money or tangible goods. And while the gifts and financial security of continued companionship indeed make me feel warm, secure, and fuzzy inside, it goes far beyond that.
They spoil me with respect. This shows up in a variety of ways. It can start by including screening information in their initial email to show they have done their research. Scheduling in advance and allowing time for anticipation to show that they respect my availability and my appreciation for intention. Arriving to our date on time and ensuring they are preparing to leave shortly before the date ends to show they respect my time. Arriving well dressed and groomed and accepting the use of the shower to show they respect our anticipated exchange. Bringing tokens of appreciation to show that they listen when I talk and note what brings me joy. Spending time getting to know me to show that they value and respect me as a person, and are not simply objectifying me. Opening up and sharing pieces of themselves as they get comfortable with me shows that they respect our relationship, and are honoring it with their vulnerability.
Truly, I am grateful for every single client that exhibits any or all of the above pieces, and that doesn’t even get me started on what I enjoy about each of them as individuals. Most of my clients are the whole damn package. And I absolutely adore them for it.
Because they are so damn good to me, there’s a whole host of things I do not have to even consider. I never have to take appointments with gents who don’t read my site or properly introduce themselves. I don’t have to say yes to people who ask for discounts or services I don’t provide. I have the flexibility to decline appointments that just don’t seem like a good fit, and I don’t feel compelled to see a client for a second time if our date leaves me feeling drained and weary instead of bright and revitalized.
Because of my clients, I am able to find safety and security by spending time with people who enrich my life and fuel my fire. I get to approach every date eagerly and leave feeling fulfilled and joyful. I feel genuine excitement when a regular lover’s name pops up in my email, instead of dread at the prospect of an unwelcome appointment that I would have to grudgingly take for the money. If it weren’t for them, I would not be able to find the joy that I do in this work.
If you’ve made it this far, cheers! I can be a little hokey and rambly at times, but that’s just how I am. Not every topic I talk about will be so mushy, but I feel everything should start from a place of gratitude, even if it’s a blog. There has been a lot of general appreciation here, but if you’re currently a lover of mine, this last bit is for you:
I’m here because I want to be, and I’m able to stay because of you.
Until next time!
Warmly,
Evelyn