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GROWING
IN VALUE
Most of us want what we own to grow in worth.
Appreciation indicates an increase in value. And, we can cause something
or someone to increase in value by choosing to appreciate. When we do so
we are choosing to recognize those qualities we enjoy. Thus by giving
appreciation to something or someone we are in that moment increasing
it's/her/his value to us.
There are other gifts that come with appreciation.
When we fully utilize appreciation we find ourselves expanding into an
awareness of the multitude of blessings that occur each and every day.
Without a conscious shift of attention to the many
ways we are given to and served, we may find ourselves trapped in a focus
on what is not occurring as we would like. The move to appreciate rather
than complain opens up a world otherwise unseen.
The first step is to choose to be an appreciator.
Allow yourself to open your awareness and expand your sensitivity to that
which is a gift, a support, a contribution to you. It may be a quality of
another person, an action they took on your behalf, the way a beneficial
outcome occurred instead of a negative consequence, etc.
Once you commit to be an appreciator you will
experience a shift in your focus. You will begin to see the many things
you have been taking for granted that are there as a benefit to you and
your well-being.
Once we begin to appreciate the many gifts in life,
we are easily moved into the expression of gratitude. Saying thank you
opens us up to even more appreciation and you will find yourself in a
cycle of expansion and joy.
Giving appreciation is a sacred process. "Thank
you for...," "I appreciate you when...," "I like
this," "I like you," "I enjoy your...," all
express genuine and timely appreciation and bestow upon the moment a
reverence.
Another way to look at appreciation is to consider
what troubles or difficulties you have caused and let yourself become
aware of how you impact others. Once you begin to notice that you don't
always behave in a giving, generous way 24/7, you will begin to appreciate
others for the fact that they deal with your moments of negativity.
Challenge yourself to be an appreciator. Make a 30
day commitment to notice and appreciate all the many ways you are given to
during the day. When you can, extend your appreciation to the person who
brought you the gift. Practice saying thank you, and notice if there is a
shift in the quality of your day.
QUOTES
"Feeling grateful or appreciative of someone
or something in your life actually attracts more of the things that you
appreciate and value into your life."
~ Christiane Northrup ~
"There is more hunger for love and
appreciation in this world than for bread."
~ Mother Teresa ~
REQUEST
AND GIFT
I am writing a book on forgiveness. If you would
like to contribute you can do one or both of two things:
- ask me any questions you might have about
forgiveness, what is it, how to do it, why do it.....
- send me any story you may have about how
forgiveness, forgiving yourself or another has changed your life, even
in small ways.
Once I have received your questions or story I will
send you a link - and you can hear the audio of the interview I did on the
topic of forgiveness.
Thanks!
PRACTICALLY SPEAKING
- Establish a daily practice - at least for 30 days
- reflecting on the question "What have I received from ____
."
- Use this question to reflect on relationships
with others, such as parents, friends, coworkers, partners. You can
even use it to reflect on your relationship to pets, or even objects
which serve you such as your computer or your car.
- Look at what you have received. My husband
planted the hydrangeas I purchased. My dog snuggled close to me when I
was taking a nap. A woman stopped her car so I could make a left turn
on a busy street.
- These are simple and clear descriptions of
reality. Writing them down helps us pay attention to all the little
things we receive throughout our day and we become more aware of how
we have been supported and given to.
- Now expand your awareness to the gifts of the
people who are giving to you and journal those as well. My husband's
sense of humor by the way he makes me laugh. My daughter's kind heart
by how she volunteers to serve others on her time off. My office
mate's respect for our shared space by the way he keeps it ordered.
- Go out of your way to thank those who gift you
with appreciations and gratitudes. Remember how you are served and
cared for by others.
WONDER QUESTION:
- Are you willing to claim your ability to increase
life's value to you?
- Are you willing to shift from being a complainer
to an appreciator?
QUICK LINKS:
COPYRIGHT/CONTACT INFO/REPRINT PERMISSION
Copyright 2006 by Leslie Karen Sann, Living by Design
Visit this link for contact information:
leslie@living-bydesign.com
Reprint permission granted in part or whole when the following credit appears in full:
Copyright 2006 by Leslie Karen Sann,
Living by Design.All rights reserved.
Web site. http://www.living-bydesign.com
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