Think about the last time someone thanked you or gave you a compliment.
Did you let it soak in, or did you brush it off?
So many of us don’t take the time or energy to appreciate these simple gifts we’re given from others, and it’s usually because we don’t appreciate them in ourselves.
I want to share more with you on appreciation, because it has changed my life.
There are 3 types of appreciation:
- Appreciation for yourself
- Appreciation for others
- Appreciation for the world at large
Which one would you consider to be the most important and why?
If you’re like most people, you answered that #2 is most important – appreciating others.
I think that’s due to the fact that most of us like to be appreciated by others, so we consider that important. While I agree that it is important to appreciate others and the world at large, #1 is #1 for a reason.
It is most important to appreciate yourself because no one else can adequately do that for you. Most of us are constantly seeking the appreciation of others, and even when we get it, we often still feel empty. Why? The problem is the lack of internal appreciation – self-appreciation. In fact, most of us are doing the exact opposite and beating ourselves up instead of appreciating ourselves.
So how do you appreciate yourself?
Here are a few simple exercises that I recommend:
1. Victory log – (2 kinds)
a. Daily – write out what you accomplished each day and feel the gratitude and appreciation for accomplishing so much.
b. Lifelong – divide your life into thirds and write out all of your successes in each third of your life.
2. Mirror exercise – 
a. Look at yourself in the mirror
b. Talk to yourself in the third person, using, “
c. Focus on what you accomplished, things you successfully resisted, and positive thoughts you want to share
d. End by looking eye to eye and telling you that you love yourself.
3. Gratitude journal –
a. Write out or recite things that you are grateful for in life
b. I recommend doing this in the morning as it sets a positive tone for the whole day.
For all exercises, don’t take anything for granted! There is always something to appreciate. If you can’t think of anything, it’s okay to list things like learning to walk, ride a bike, finish school, getting dressed, taking a shower, etc.
Appreciate the little things (like having 5 toes, the ability to breathe, etc.) and focus on what’s right. And remember to take a moment to let the feelings of appreciation soak in – whether they come from you or anyone else. Because the more we focus on what’s being appreciated, the more we will find to appreciate.
Now go appreciate yourself!
