The Life-Changing Power Of Appreciation

Appreciation is one of the most powerful actions in the universe.
When you are sensitively aware of a unique quality that makes nsomeone who they are -- and are willing to communicate it to nhim or her -- that person’s life and your own can change forever.
Let me give you an example.

After walking out the door of a Kinko’s a few years ago, a youngnman coming down the sidewalk called my name and approached nme. “It’s me, Tenny,” he said, “We used to play pool together at nthe youth center.” The last time I had see
Tenny he was a small nthirteen year-old boy. Now he was an impressive-looking young nman, taller than me.

We talked for a while and he told me of some of his high school nsports accomplishments and of his plans to attend college that fall.
After we wished each other well, he looked into my eyes and said n“One time you told me that you liked the way I concentrated on nevery shot I took. I’ll never forget that. Thank you.”

Standing there on the sidewalk, I felt the power of apppreciation.
I realized that what I had said to him years ago (and had long since nforgotten) had changed his life in some way -- and his appreciation nfor me was now changing mine. I thanked him and walked to my ncar with a new lightness in my heart.

What do you appreciate about the people in your life? Are you willing nto tell them? When? If you’re feeling unsure of how to share an appreciation nwith another person, here are two examples:nnn “I like/love the way you ________________.” (Offer to help, light up a nroom, ask for what you want...) nnn“I appreciate how you _________________.” (Listen closely when I talk, nmake eye contact with me, support my creativity, spend time with the kids...)

We blossom in an atmosphere of appreciation. Take the time to appreciate nyourself and others often as you go about your days. Your life and the lives nof others will unfold in miraculous ways.