Appreciation is....
When was the last time you took the time to let someone know that you appreciate them? Were you aware that appreciation can be considered as a skill? According to the IDG Framework, the third dimension Relating-- Caring for Others and the World, appreciation is one of the skills/qualities listed; along with connectedness, humility, and empathy & compassion.
So what is appreciation, you ask? According to the reading, appreciation is...
It is taking time to think of others and letting them know. It is uplifting and encouraging. It is giving words of kindness and love to let someone know about the difference/impact they have brought into your life. Showing appreciation helps breed life into the appreciated. It makes them feel valued and special, because that is what they are!
You may think "Ohhh, that's so easy. Appreciating is not really a skill. It can't be." But the truth is, it is, and it really isn't all that easy as it seems. Some people struggle to voice how they really feel for various reasons. My stepmom always taught me to "give people their flowers while they are living". Show people you love them, care about them, and appreciate them... while they are still living here on this Earth.
Life is too short, so I have a little activity for us all. If you can, please consider joining me in an appreciation activity here on 7 Cups. If you are grateful for someone, let them know you are by filling out the Peer Appreciation Form. A lovely smile spreader will deliver your note of appreciation beautifully to the person you are appreciating. And if you are a mentor, moderator, or Baron of Big Hearts and know someone who is always displaying acts of kindness wherever they go, please nominate them using the Kindness Crusaders Nomination Form.
It is my hope that you all join me in this activity to implement this very important skill. The skill of appreciation is one that I find to be of much value. It may not always be easy to do but, I believe, it is a necessity for us all! @Fristo
Questions:
1. In what ways can you show someone you appreciate them?
2. Why does appreciation matter in your life?
@YourCaringConfidant
Aww such a wonderful post and ofcourse with your beautiful graphics stealing the show as always, Desiree, thank youuu for being exactly youuu.
Appreciation truly is a skill, and I love and am trying to live by what your step mum told you too, yes indeed, send more flowers to people while they are alive. It's such a simple thing to say but of great value and meaning, if one really puts thought into it, for it's so (unfortunately) common to see the not-here-with-us-anymore receive more flowers hehe. (": (And yes, gotta mention, "flowers" here is both literal and metaphorical in meaning)
Coming back to it, yesss, appreciation is a skill, should be specific, genuine, rightly-timed and so much that just makes it extra special!
You're a maestro at this quintessential skill, not even exaggerating, so you creating this post, highlighting the need and ways we can do so, on cups too, is just one of those "all the stars being perfectly aligned" moments!
1. In what ways can you show someone you appreciate them?
In cups? I think you highlighted the powerful tools to appreciate people. (Go Smile Spreaders and Kindness Messengers hehe). But in general too, to show up for people, acknowledge their time, presence and efforts, thank and appreciate using words, gifts etc make use of the love languages (really makes great difference to know if someone is more into Words of Affirmation, spending Quality Time, Acts of Service, Physical Affection or Gifting/ Giving and to express your love and gratitude for them in a language that *speaks* to them the most), let people know you value them, appreciate them and cherish them!
2. Why does appreciation matter in your life?
Appreciation matters in my life, because of what I said above hehe, to send more flowers when people can actually smell, see, touch, feel those flowers.🥰 It makes all the difference in their world. One little act of kindness goes the longest way possible!
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou Yessss 🌞, she always says for others to not go crying over her grave giving flowers when she can't enjoy it. I just always thought that was the truth. Every day I make an effort to let someone know (through my actions) that I appreciate them and that I am grateful for them. Sun, thanks so much for your participation and for answering with such beauty. You are beautifully made and are full of love. You, amongst many others, truly dedicate so much of yourself to uplifting others. You act with love and spread kindness. You're the type that doesn't even have to say anything.... because you just do! ♡
Ohhhh, I guess my response has turned into an appreciation for the bright one 🌞. I adore you and these flowers are for you.
@Sunisshiningandsoareyou
I like how you included the love languages as a way to show your appreciation!
@heathermarie95
Aw thank you for noticing that, and yesss, it makes appreciations extra personable and warm, I feel hehe!🥰
@YourCaringConfidant
- By Acknowledging their efforts and expressing gratitude and Complimenting their strengths, achievements, or qualities.
- Showing appreciation strengthens bonds with others, fostering a sense of connection and trust. Expressing gratitude creates a positive environment.
@WeEarth Thanks for your wonderful and thoughtful answers! I could not agree more with what you said! Just beautiful!
@YourCaringConfidant
thank you for sharing!
It can be challenging for some to show their appreciation because they may have trouble expressing their feelings to others. Such as when I was younger (due to autism). The older I got the better it got though!
1. In what ways can you show someone you appreciate them?
a great way is by doing something small for them and not always something big. sometimes just learning their love language and going off by that.
2. Why does appreciation matter in your life?
It's a great way for others to remind me of how they appreciate the things ive done for them even if they are small. It is also a great way to show someone that you notice what you have done for them.
@heathermarie95 Thank you for sharing that insight! And awww, Heather, you are one remarkable growth. Look at you know. You have overcome what you may have once struggled with and are literally doing the opposite. You have blossomed beautifully and I appreciate everything you do on 7 Cups to show support, appreciation, love, and kindness. <3 And I agree-- the little things (many of times) mean everything!
@YourCaringConfidant Manner of apprecitaion depends on you I mean for me its like I say thank you and then make sure to pay them back for their kindness and get them a gift or something and it matters because if people aren't appreciated they lose motivation and doubt self worth
@YourCaringConfidant
1. In what ways can you show someone you appreciate them?
By being there for them, by being respectful towards them, by being understanding and empathetic when they are having some issues.
2. Why does appreciation matter in your life?
appreciation matters in my life because it shows that me or someone else in my life is loved and cared for.
❤️ Wonderful post, @YourCaringConfidant! The combination of your awesome graphics and your amazing discussion is excellent ❤️ Keep it up ❤️
❤️ In 7 Cups, by giving them an appreciation through the PAP, if you're a mentor/mod/Baron of Big Hearts by using the Kindness Crusaders Nomination form, nominating them for other appreciations and awards (Academy Awards, Leadership Spotlight, Teen Awards, Coach reviews, Academy Mentor reviews, member reviews...), sending them an appreciative message (or tag) and just expressing your love and appreciation how and when you can. In general, by acknowledging their strengths, communicating the impact they have on you, giving them genuine compliments and praise, being kind to them, giving them gifts, hugging them, spending time with them, doing something for them, letting them know what you value about them, showing them how much you value them, voicing your gratitude towards them, congratulating them on their achievements and celebrating them as a person ❤️
❤️ Appreciation improves both the relationship between the appreciated and the appreciator and our quality of life. It strengthens and deepens the bond, but it also boosts our self-esteem, brings us joy, improves our general well-being and gives us motivation to keep going. It also makes us feel great, both when we appreciate and when we're appreciated. Plus, it creates a kindness cycle that makes everything better! Kindness goes a long way, and we never know how much hope, relief, inspiration and/or happiness our appreciation causes ❤️ So, be kind and appreciate both others and yourself! ❤️
@YourCaringConfidant
1. In what ways can you show someone you appreciate them?
So many people these days don't speak to each other enough. My personal method of showing appreciation for those I truly care for is to say it outright. I remind my friends how much they mean to me and let them know that my life wouldn't be the same without them in it.
2. Why does appreciation matter in your life?
I don't appreciate myself enough. I have low self-esteem and struggle to see the good in myself. I understand how it feels to hear more bad things about you from toxic people than it is to hear the positives. Appreciation helps me to drown out the negative thoughts I have about myself, largely implanted by others. It also helps me to understand what I'm doing right in my life.
@YourCaringConfidant
You can show appreciation to someone by simply telling them how grateful you are for them and what they do for you. While it may seem small, these words can have a big impact on those who are close to you. Additionally, you can show your appreciation through your actions, such as by doing small favors for those you care about or going out of your way to put a smile on their face.
@YourCaringConfidant
Showing appreciation can take many forms, depending on the person and the context. Here are some common ways to express appreciation:
- Verbal acknowledgment: Simply saying "thank you" or expressing gratitude verbally can go a long way.
- Written notes or letters: Sending a handwritten note or letter can be a heartfelt way to show appreciation.
- Acts of kindness: Doing something nice for someone, such as helping them with a task or giving them a small gift, can show appreciation.
- Quality time: Spending time with someone and giving them your full attention is a meaningful way to show you value them.
- Words of affirmation: Offering compliments or praise can make someone feel appreciated and valued.
- Physical touch: A hug, handshake, or other physical gesture can convey appreciation in a personal way.
Appreciation matters in life for several reasons:
- Strengthens relationships: Showing appreciation can strengthen bonds with friends, family, and colleagues, fostering deeper connections.
- Boosts morale: Feeling appreciated can boost confidence and morale, leading to improved performance and well-being.
- Promotes positivity: Expressing and receiving appreciation can create a positive environment, improving overall mood and outlook.
- Encourages reciprocity: When you show appreciation, others are more likely to reciprocate, creating a cycle of positivity and gratitude.
- Fosters empathy and understanding: Appreciating others' efforts and contributions can increase empathy and understanding, leading to better relationships and communication.
Overall, appreciation is a powerful tool that can enhance relationships, improve well-being, and create a more positive and empathetic world.
@YourCaringConfidant To answer your first question I think you can show someone you appreciate them by doing something you know is meaningful to them. For example, if someone likes a specific kind of food you could buy or make it for them.