“Everybody is a star. One big circle going round and round.”
- Sly and the Family Stone

The Oscars. The Grammies. The Pulitzer. The Nobel. Maybe you’ve already practiced your speech. With a hairbrush-microphone, looking straight into the camera-mirror, you’ve thanked all the people who fostered you to glory. No doubt about it, your gown or tux would be front and center, but it’s your thank you speech that would ripple out for all to feel.

Whether you’re standing at a podium, or in the middle of your very normal life, it’s likely taken a village of comrades, sages, and cheerleaders to get you to this moment.

THIS WEEK: Imagine that you’re receiving the esteemed Gold Medal of Getting This Far. Who are you going to thank? The English teacher who told you she was moved by your essay? The boss who did you a big favor by firing you? The lover who helped you to see yourself in a whole new light?; or how about the people who are in your daily orbit, supporting you to shine with encouragement, or by managing the details, or getting dinner on the table.

Make this somewhat ceremonious. If you have to track down someone from your past, if you need to toil over a letter or a phone call – do it. Expressing gratitude can be quite an intimate experience. Humility is like that. And humble stars go down in history.