I appreciate the good life I have had with the same husband for over forty-two years. I appreciate my two children who are turning out to be good adults. I appreciate having a sister that I can communicate with on a regular basis. I appreciate the friends that I have and the joy that they give me. I appreciate the experiences I have had over my 70 years. It is important to be aware of what is good in one’s life, to be thankful for one’s blessings and to tell others how you appreciate them being a part of your life.
“Appreciation is seeing the good in life. It is recognizing the gifts that come our way and showing gratitude for them. When we express appreciation to others, we mirror the virtues we see in them. We perceive their positive intentions and honor them with our gratitude. Love thrives on appreciation. Intimacy grows deeper when we know we are seen and valued. As we do the spiritual work life calls us to do, it is important to appreciate our own efforts and to acknowledge our progress. We don’t dwell on the unpleasant things of life. We value the learning even in the painful times. Drinking deeply of the beauty and pleasures life offers, we don’t waste a single day.
The Practice of Appreciation means that I:
- look for the good in life and in people
- freely express gratitude and admiration
- honor my own progress
- value the gifts in my tests
- don’t allow myself to stay down and disappointed
- enjoy all that life has to offer
- feel grateful for the bounty of my life.