Appreciation
[Day 24]1
This post has been a draft that I keep coming back to. I can’t quite seem to express what I’m trying to say or what I feel. But in the spirit of the Daily 300 and consistency, I’m going to share it anyway, imperfect as it is.
It’s about the power of appreciation.
I’m constantly reminded that appreciation might just be the answer, to everything. Appreciation of whatever it is that moves you, that inspires you, that lights you up, appreciation for what you find beautiful, meaningful.
Whatever it is you appreciate and for whatever reason, acknowledge it and share it.
I’ve not witnessed a conversation where one person acknowledges their appreciation for the other that didn’t make them both light up, smile. It’s the same for me as the observer – I feel the same way. It feels good.
Acknowledging and sharing appreciation seems to make whatever you’re appreciating real, it brings it to life. It materialises what would otherwise be missed and overlooked and quickly disappear.
To acknowledge and share appreciation is to make it real. Especially when it comes to people and their character traits. Too many people live their lives not knowing the positive impact they have on others simply by being who they are and doing what they do.
Too many people live their lives not knowing how much they’re appreciated. If we don’t speak it, if we don’t tell them, I feel like we’re missing such a profound opportunity. Appreciation is powerful, it changes lives, it saves lives. Let them know.
What if we all shared a little more of what we love? It doesn’t matter what it is – it could be playing chess, the design of a piece of furniture, building furniture, sitting on furniture and the way it feels, how a song hits, it might be how a colour or piece of art pierces your eyes and fills your heart, or the taste of good coffee, good service, the feeling of being immersed in water, the way that person makes you feel…
Share that.
Notice what you appreciate and share it.
Tell them if it involves someone else. Tell yourself if it’s you that you’re appreciating – and fuck yes you can appreciate yourself! Write about it, put it into words. You don’t have to share it with the world but if you are up for it, share it with others.
I love hearing about what other people love.
…
Here’s something I’m appreciating. Its’ witnessing the daily devotion and offerings that are carefully crafted and shared with intention. They’ll be put outside of homes, businesses, on cars and scooters. This one was in the middle of the road as I walked back from the beach this morning. There was traffic but everyone deliberately steered around it.
This post is part of a daily writing challenge where I write a post of at least 300 words every day for the month of April. This is the @my_daily300 challenge which you can participate in and follow via the Instagram link above.