appreciation
costs nothing to those who give
priceless to receive
No doubt you’re well-versed in the power of a gracious “thank you.”
Many of us have been trained since childhood to say those two magic words whenever someone does something for us or gives us something.
This expression of thanks is always welcome and called for in such circumstances. It probably isn’t used enough.
And…
When we express gratitude to others only for what they’ve done we subtly reinforce our culture of doing.
Doing is what gets attention, awards, and appreciation.
But what about expressing gratitude without provocation?
What about acknowledging someone for being? What about appreciating their presence?
Years ago, while at an event, I overheard two people in conversation. One said to the other:
I appreciate you.
The context made clear that there was no specific action or favor being acknowledged. The person offering appreciation was referring to presence.
It was the first time I heard one person express appreciation to another in this way, with those words, and it left an impression.
It struck me as a profound way to instill self-worth in young children and reinforce worthiness in adults.
You are worthy of appreciation just because you are.
When was the last time you thanked someone for simply being, for the fact of their existence?
It costs you nothing, but can be a priceless gift for them.
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