How much do we really show our appreciation? We are quick with giving advice, finding gaps and pointing out areas of improvement. Our critical nature sometimes comes out stronger and overshadows our nurturing side. Not that we don’t care, it’s just that we probably don’t express our appreciation as much as we should.

We underestimate what a word of encouragement and appreciation can mean to those close to us. We often feel that having provided what we can and always being there for them conveys our love and care. It does, but appreciating someone touches them in a way, very little else can.

Appreciating others comes from awareness. Being conscious of the acts of others and giving attention to them. We can effectively do this when we stop focussing on ourselves and notice the wonderful things people around us are doing.

It comes from our sense of gratitude. When we don’t take people for granted and realise our good fortune in having them in our life. Acknowledging small things can make a big difference to them.

It comes from being sensitive to the feelings of others. Sometimes we may be receiving much appreciation from others and may not think much of it, assuming that everyone gets appreciation in their life. But for many it may not be so. And for them to be appreciated by us can mean much. They of course, will never tell us this. We need to be sensitive enough to genuinely express our appreciation.

It comes from humility. We learn to change our expectations to appreciation. Our position, status, power does not demand from others. Our humility and humanness gives appreciation to others.

And when we love someone deeply, we sometimes take the relationship for granted. Not that the love will diminish if we don’t, but appreciating the way something was done can make our loved one really happy, to know that they were noticed and complimented by someone they care so deeply for.

When we learn to look at things differently and start appreciating the wonders of life, we understand that no one in this world is ordinary. There is something to appreciate in everyone.

(Picture-Between Banff and Jasper in Canada)