Appreciate: Two Meanings
The first meaning is “to be thankful,” the opposite of taking something for granted. The second meaning is “to increase in value” (as money appreciates in the bank).
Combined, these two meanings point to a truth that has been proven repeatedly in research on gratitude: when we appreciate the good in our lives, the good grows and we have more of it. The opposite, sadly, is also true: when we fail to appreciate the good-when we take the good in our lives for granted-the good depreciates.
Gratitude is a worthwhile state of mind and heart for the reason that each of us tends to draw automatically into our lives the people and the situations that resonate with the contents of our consciousness.
We can start where we are by being grateful for small things like nice weather and ordinary kindnesses; those things we like to do that we get to do, and even whatever we don’t like to do that we don’t have to do!
Our troubles can make us wiser and more compassionate. We can take note of any benefit to what we’ve been through and thereby shift the energy. And then we can watch our habit build from seeking out and praising the good. (much as Calvin does in the cartoon below)
So…what’s good in your life? Let’s appreciate it. And watch it grow!
2 Comments
What’s good in my life? I don’t have time or probably memory to give an exhaustive list. Here is my incomplete list for the moment:
1. The status of my relationship with God.
2. The blessing of unconditional love and support from family
3. My place of residence: Oddfellows Merriam Street Apartments
–the great residents who have become friends in the short 6
months that we have lived here
–the extraordinary, caring employees no matter their
assignment or the difficulty of their tasks
–the remarkable variety of activities and services for all of
us, no matter our status or capacity
4. The blessing of living in a peaceful town, city, if you prefer
5. The blessing of our climate–over the years, I contend there is
no better place to live with regard to climate
Russ, this is indeed a blessed place to live! I too appreciate the climate, the caring and supportive folks that live here, and the many fun, entertaining, and educational opportunities there are here-no need to worry about being bored!