Oh how gratifying it is to feel important. During one of our many brainstorming sessions outside the office, Jean asked:

"What makes you feel appreciated?"

First thoughts? Acknowledgment. 

Reflecting on that, I believe it isn't so much acknowledgment of a task (or the completion of it)- but the acknowledgment of your capabilities and your role to assist in completing a task. Nothing makes you feel like a million bucks more than when you feel important, when you know your opinions are heard, when you know you are becoming an asset. 

While I work on being an asset, it comes at a price no less than your entire life. Rad thing is, I don't miss it.