My word for today is appreciation and it’s one of those words you actually have to think about a little bit. When we think of appreciation, we often think of someone else appreciating us or our appreciating someone else, but appreciation is so much more. Appreciation is an attitude of gratitude, an acknowledgement of action and an admiration of accomplishment.

When we think of the word appreciation, it is usually attached to something that you have done for someone or something that someone has done for you to help make life a little better and/or easier. It really is a beautiful thing and the truth is, we need a lot more of it in our world today. The cold hard reality is that many people that should be appreciated, never are and many that reap appreciation are really getting someone else’s reward. The other sad thing is that many of us have allowed ourselves to become to busy and distracted, which leads to our missing the opportunity to live in the power of appreciation.

As I was thinking of appreciation today, it was not so much from the stand point of wanting it for myself, but to try and make sure that I do better at expressing it, offering it and sharing it with others. In my own life, I have found that appreciation received, motivates me to want to do more and better. I believe this is true for almost any of us. We want to know that what we do matters.

Appreciation Is An Attitude Of Gratitude! It is a small way of saying “thank you”. An expression of appreciation spoken or written is one way of counting our blessings. Taking the time to think about who and what we appreciate helps to fix and shape up our attitude and a good attitude is key to living the blessed life.

Appreciation Is An Acknowledgement Of Action! When we let someone know that we appreciate them or we let others know what we appreciate, then it is an acknowledgement of appreciation for whatever action touched us enough to motivate us to say this is something that matters to me and has made a difference in my life.

Appreciation Is An Admiration Of Accomplishment! Taking the time to in some way express appreciation shows that we admire and value the person or thing we are appreciating. When we admire something, we are giving it value and making it matter even more in the grand scheme of things.

I encourage you to take some time to think about the people, places and things you appreciate and let it be known. You will be amazed at the difference it will make in your life and in the lives of others…