The gift of Appreciation

“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness
to put it into words is all that is necessary.”
Margaret Cousins
 
We are all connecting to a wonderful energy during this Christmas season by thinking of others as we select the perfect gifts for our family and friends. This time of the year offers us so many traditions to keep this positive energy flowing. Even addressing Christmas cards helps us to focus on each person to whom we are sending our holiday good wishes.
 
We could indeed change the world by continuing to make positive overtures to our family and friends throughout the year. This could be an easy task if we could magically store some of this “holiday season” energy in a sealed container and allow a little out at a time during the rest of the year.
 
What my wife and I personally experience during this Christmas season is that feeling of being especially appreciated and valued by family and friends as they choose to spend time with us. It is also uplifting to receive the beautiful Christmas cards and pictures of the many special families in our lives.
 
This is a great time to express to our family and friends the positive influence they have had in our lives. Beautiful words of appreciation and gratitude that are often left to be expressed in Eulogies can be that life changing gift. This is a gift that will truly keep giving because in most cases when a person feels appreciated they become predisposed to “paying it forward.” These gifts of appreciation will last long after the gifts under the tree have been opened.
 
In my career I always went the extra mile in offering my customers value added programs to assist them in increasing their business. When I met with my boss for my annual review he always listed the things he appreciated that I had done to make the company look good. And truthfully his expression of appreciation meant as much to me as the next statement about my salary increase.
 
Today we send ecards, post birthdays and special occasions on Facebook, or send an email of best wishes. This may be old school thinking but there is nothing like receiving a hand written note. You may want to take advantage of this wonderful season to write a short personal note or a brief compliment in a Christmas card or on the gift tag of the present.
 
We are all very familiar with the saying “love makes the world go around.” Much the same thing can be said about appreciation. It makes people smile and puts a spring in their step. I know it motivates me to give more of myself to those who truly appreciate me.