When I think of appreciation, I see it from two distinct aspects. Appreciation of others and appreciation for yourself.
I hope that we all can say that we have at least one person in our lives that touches us in ways that inspire, encourage, and support. We as humans were not designed to be alone. We need each other. We are interconnected. During a recent season we have found ourselves isolated out of necessity. For some of us that isolation has been devastating because some of us are labeled as a “people person.” For others it has been delightful because some of us are labeled as an “introvert.” Either way, we have all been affected by isolation. There is a song that speaks to people needing people, so true! As we age, one of the elements to healthy aging is the quality of life and social interaction. There is light in all of us and as we allow that light to shine, we brighten each other’s lives as we continue this journey called life. We often hear it being said that we need to appreciate the little things in life. Sometimes it is a small gesture that someone does for us that we may miss in the busyness of life. Someone checks on us after we make a passing comment about not feeling well. We may have even forgotten we said it or may have not realized we said it loud enough for someone to hear us. We get a phone call with an encouraging word, or someone gives us a gift card from our favorite coffee shop. We didn’t even realize they knew it was our favorite coffee shop which speaks to the fact that they were paying attention to what brings us joy! Appreciation, take a moment to reflect on the many ways other people show appreciation in your life. It will help you to realize just how much you mean to others.
We also need to take time to appreciate who it is that we are as individuals. Think of all the wonderful attributes that you possess. I know some of us can get a bit modest and may have trouble coming up with our positive traits. Sometimes this can be achieved by all the above examples of how others show you appreciation. We often will impact others in ways we do not even realize. I recall a parent telling me how I helped to calm their concerns about their child attending a new school on the first day. This parent approached me at the end of the school year. 9 months later. I could not recall what I said or did on the first day of school which is always one of the most chaotic days of the school year. New students, new classes, new schedules. Someone doesn’t like their schedule. A parent is upset about their child having a certain teacher. And of course, in some instances, the first day of school pranks that can shut down the entire day. Never mind remembering what you said or did for each parent that crosses your path on that day. You are in triage mode and just struggling to put out all the first day of school fires. We impact each other’s lives in so many ways. Let us all remember to appreciate those who pour into us. Let us all remember how we pour into others and what a blessing we can be to each other.
I am Lady Wisdom! A sagacious lifestyle influencer, embracing my journey! Sharing experiences along the way! Challenging dreamers! It is never too late to embrace your journey and live your dreams!