Gift of Appreciation

Here is what I know for certain:

Every person on the planet likes to be appreciated and know that they are appreciated. 

Every person.

And yet...there are so many people who feel unappreciated?

A person's greatest emotional need is to feel appreciated.

It doesn't take a lot and I personally believe, most people don't need the big party or public accolades. Sometimes it is the smaller moments of appreciation that feel the most genuine and real.

I received a certificate this week for a nomination I received a couple of months back. The thought that someone within my school community had taken the time to nominate me was enough to feel appreciated.

I think while we often talk about how we appreciate things or people, we do not acknowledge it enough. Showing gratitude and appreciation is one of the simplest and most powerful things we can do for each other as humans.

 Everyone wants to be appreciated.

So if you appreciate someone - don't keep it a secret. Do something, say something, act on it. 

 Life is worth appreciating

In order for your life to be great, you must first learn to appreciate it. It is not possible to appreciate others or anything else if you can appreciate the gift of your own life first.

 Lack of appreciation

If you are doing something and someone doesn't appreciate your efforts, then my suggestion is - stop trying to please them. The reality is, is that not everyone is going to appreciate or acknowledge your efforts and that's okay. Is it frustrating? Yes. Is it disheartening at times? Absolutely. But our responsibility when that happens is to know that what we are doing is because we want to, we love it or it is the right thing to do and we can appreciate our own efforts and journey.

 It is simple

Showing or sharing appreciation with someone is a simple act. There is nothing nicer than having someone who appreciates the small things you do or comforts you when you are struggling or is simply happy for having you in their life. It is a simple thing to do that has impact well beyond what our eyes can see.

Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.

Appreciation opens up our lives and allows us to offer more of ourselves to others.

 Live by your words

Our highest form of appreciation is not the words we use but the way we live by the words we use. If we can learn to not only share our appreciation of others with others but also live by the words we use, we have the potential to live a more loving and fulfilling life.

 What's good for you is good for me

When we show love, kindness and appreciation to others, it makes them feel loved and cared for. But for those who are showing the appreciation, it helps us to build on and develop our inner happiness. It helps to strengthen compassion and empathy and peace. Showing appreciation is valuable for both the giver and the receiver.

 The power of appreciation

Too often we underestimate the power of a kind word, a smile, a thank you, an honest compliment or a small act of caring. These small things have the potential to turn a life around and have more impact than we realise. 

Don't let your appreciation or value of someone go to waste.

If you feel it, say it.

If you see it, say it.

Watch the response you receive to a genuine moment of appreciation. 

 Top Tips for Appreciation

* Be generous with your appreciation

* Be genuine with your appreciation

* Be fun with your appreciation

* Be creative with your appreciation

* Write them a note

* Offer them the gift of your time

* Return a favour

* Be a good listener when they need one

* Publicly acknowledge their efforts and successes

People who are appreciated will always do more than expected.

Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.

Voltaire

Until next week...may your week be full of gratitude and appreciation.

Clarissa xo