Appreciation
The Power of Appreciation: A Practice That Transformed My Life
One skill that has had a profound impact on my life is appreciation—both for others and for myself. For the longest time, I didn’t understand how important it was to actively appreciate the things around me. I used to get caught up in the hustle, constantly looking for what was next, and I often overlooked the little blessings that were right in front of me.
Growing up, I was always focused on what I didn’t have or what I hadn’t accomplished yet. I thought success and happiness were destinations I had to reach. But as I got older, I realized that real joy doesn’t come from future achievements—it comes from appreciating the present moment and everything I already have.
In the Growth Path, it says, "Appreciation allows us to recognize the value in both the big and small moments in life, helping us shift our focus from what we lack to what we have." This really resonated with me because I used to always be looking for something more—more money, more success, more recognition. But when I shifted my focus to gratitude and appreciation, everything changed. I started to notice the beauty in the small things: a warm cup of coffee in the morning, a kind word from a friend, the way the sun feels on my face in the afternoon.
Today, appreciation has become one of my core values, but it wasn’t always this way. I had to consciously work on it every day. I had to train myself to see the value in what I already had, instead of always longing for something more.
I’m curious—how does appreciation show up in your life? What are some things or people you appreciate, and how do you actively make space for it in your daily routine?
For anyone wondering how I started making appreciation a central part of my life, here’s what helped me along the way:
Starting with myself: The first thing I had to do was learn to appreciate myself. I spent too many years criticizing myself for not being “enough.” I began a practice of self-compassion, acknowledging my strengths and giving myself credit for the hard work I put in each day.
Daily gratitude practice: Each morning, I started writing down three things I was grateful for. They didn’t have to be big—sometimes it was simply the fact that I woke up with a healthy body or that my dog greeted me with excitement. This practice helped me start my day with a positive mindset and a deeper sense of appreciation.
Acknowledging others: I also made a conscious effort to appreciate the people in my life. Whether it was a colleague, a friend, or a family member, I took the time to express my gratitude to them. It not only strengthened my relationships but also reminded me of the goodness that exists around me.
Being present: I learned that to truly appreciate something, I had to be present in the moment. So, I stopped rushing through life, trying to get to the next thing. Instead, I started savoring the experiences I was having in real-time. Whether it was a conversation or a walk in the park, I allowed myself to fully experience and appreciate what was happening in that moment.
Appreciation has become a practice that has completely transformed how I experience life. It’s no longer about reaching a certain goal or destination—it’s about seeing and valuing the beauty of where I am right now.
What about you? How do you practice appreciation in your life, and how has it shifted your perspective?