Word-Of-the-Week #1002: Appreciative
October 19, 2023 by Susan Clarke · Comments Off on Word-Of-the-Week #1002: Appreciative
Appreciative – feeling or expressive of gratitude.
Can you find contentment in simple pleasures? Are your friendships and relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and encouragement?
This week features the 2nd half of “If you have these 7 things, your life is going much better than you may realize” by Justin Brown at HackSpirit.
To Recap: There are probably things in your life right now that you haven’t even considered as markers of success. If you have these 7 things, your life is going much better than you may realize.
- You have a supportive circle of friends and family
- You have a sense of purpose or passion
- You can find contentment in simple pleasures
- You’re able to express gratitude and appreciate what you have
Gratitude isn’t just a buzzword; it’s a way of life. It’s the practice of recognizing and appreciating the positive aspects of your life, no matter how big or small. Do you find yourself saying thank you for the meal you’ve just enjoyed, or the warm bed you sleep in at night? Are you able to appreciate the effort someone put into helping you, or the beauty of a sunset at the end of the day?
Being able to express gratitude doesn’t mean ignoring the challenges or difficulties you might be facing. Rather, it’s about focusing on the good and acknowledging the blessings that are already present in your life.
Gratitude has been linked to increased happiness, improved relationships, and even better physical health. It’s a mindset that encourages contentment and a positive outlook on life.
If you can pause to recognize the good in your life, to truly appreciate what you have rather than constantly longing for more, then you’re embracing a powerful tool for well-being. Your life is already filled with abundance, and recognizing this fact means your life is going much better than you may realize. It’s a sign of emotional maturity and a balanced perspective, a sign that you’re on a path to true fulfillment.
- You’re able to learn from mistakes and grow
Life isn’t about never falling down; it’s about learning how to get back up. Have you found that you can reflect on your mistakes without beating yourself up? Can you see failure not as a dead end but as a valuable lesson?
Embracing mistakes and learning from them is a sign of resilience and wisdom. It shows that you understand that failure is not a reflection of your worth but a step on the path to growth and success. It’s a mindset that transforms challenges into opportunities and turns setbacks into stepping stones.
If you can look back on your mistakes with understanding and compassion, using them as fuel for personal growth, then you’re cultivating a healthy relationship with yourself. You’re acknowledging that imperfection is part of being human, and you’re embracing the journey with all its ups and downs. Your life is going much better than you may realize, and this ability to grow is a sign of true strength.
- You take the time to invest in self-care and personal development
Do you take the time to nourish your body, mind, and soul? Whether it’s through exercise, meditation, reading, or simply taking a moment to breathe and relax, self-care is an investment in yourself.
Taking care of yourself isn’t selfish; it’s essential. It’s about recognizing that you have needs and that meeting those needs enables you to be your best self. It’s about understanding that personal development isn’t a luxury but a continuous journey towards becoming the person you want to be.
If you prioritize self-care and personal development, you’re acknowledging that you are worthy of love and attention. You’re building a strong foundation that allows you to face life’s challenges with confidence and grace. You’re nurturing a relationship with yourself that is based on respect and understanding.
- You cultivate positive relationships and surround yourself with supportive people
The people you choose to surround yourself with say a lot about where you are in life. Are your friendships and relationships based on mutual respect, trust, and encouragement? Do you feel supported, valued, and understood by those closest to you?
Cultivating positive relationships isn’t about having a vast number of friends or being constantly social. It’s about the quality of connections, the depth of understanding, and the genuine care and compassion that defines your interactions with others.
If you’ve nurtured relationships where you feel safe to be yourself, where you can share both joys and struggles without judgment, then you’re building a strong social support network that enhances your life. You’re recognizing the value of human connection and the importance of love and friendship.
Your life is going much better than you may realize, and these positive relationships are proof of your emotional intelligence and ability to create meaningful bonds.
This week’s focus is on being appreciative. Are you able to appreciate the effort someone put into helping you, or the beauty of a sunset at the end of the day? Have you found that you can reflect on your mistakes without beating yourself up? Do you feel supported, valued, and understood by those closest to you?
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