expressing appreciation
Posted by Melanie on Apr 9, 2009 in relationships | 2 commentsI had a conversation recently with someone who was feeling under-valued and unappreciated. Well, actually, I’ve had more than one of these conversations recently with more than one person.
Expressing authentic appreciation in our relationships is perhaps the single factor that can open the way for those we care about to understand how truly valued they are. While the absence of appreciation can become fertile ground for growing toxicity within a relationship.
Whether it is a parent/child, husband/wife, friend/friend, brother/sister, employee/boss ~ regardless of the nature of the relationship, the expression of appreciation is like water to a thirsty plant.
Like plants, some of us need more appreciation than others. Most people need a daily dose. However, the key word here is authentic appreciation.
Here’s an invitation for you. Just for a week, everyday express authentic appreciation for those with whom you share your life. Get in touch with how grateful you are something you truly appreciate that your person did for you and then tell them “thank you.”
Look them in the eyes and let the fullness of your genuine, heartfelt gratitude flow from you to them. “Thank you . . . when you did . . . it filled my need for . . . or . . . I felt . . . Thank you.” Experiment with how you express your gratitude and what really lands with the other person.
Have a little adventure with expressions of gratitude, expressions of appreciation and see what happens. Post a comment by clicking on the comments section above and share what’s happening for you with the expression of appreciation.
Hi Melanie,
What an amazing video, thank you! I’m so glad that you reminded us about the simple but powerful act of appreciation. Most of us are under some type of stress at the moment and it’s incredibly easy to become affected by the negativity which bombards all of us on a daily basis. Appreciation costs absolutely nothing yet makes a huge difference to the giver and the receiver. Appreciating a total stranger creates a lasting impression to both parties and creates a moment of soul connection. (The world needs more of these moments!) Take care, stay well.
I agree…about the power of appreciation and about the video. I do get surprised again and again about the power of heartfelt appreciation. Maybe it’s the currency of the soul.