APPRECIATION vs Gratitude

Hello and welcome back! On our way to school this morning, my ten-year-old son and I shared a conversation about the difference between gratitude and appreciation.  As with most of our conversations, it was a significant reminder for me and one I hope resonates with you too.

The difference between gratitude and appreciation lies in our expression of what makes us feel grateful.  When we express our gratitude with appreciation, it requires us to act and verbalize what makes us feel grateful.  Appreciation engages someone or something outside of ourselves. This is where we have an opportunity.

Why is expressing appreciation important?  More often, people are doing the best they can with what they have in this moment.  I haven’t met one person, regardless of age, status, or level of success who doesn’t desire to be seen and appreciated.  When we share our appreciation, it can change our perspective, we begin noticing more of what is good around us.  When it comes to those closest to us and/or those with whom we have an expectation from the relationship--maybe it’s a partner, family member, a close friend, a leader, a colleague, someone who has been supporting and showing up for us--we sometimes take them for granted. We are quick to call out what’s not going well, what could improve, or how they could do better.  Here’s the challenge and opportunity this week: celebrate the unlikely candidate and make time to connect and express your gratitude.  Verbalize your appreciation to someone you expect a lot from right now?

How can we better show appreciation?  A few ideas come to mind.  In person or live is always more impactful but a text, email, or note can still be meaningful--be specific.  When we are expressing appreciation, specificity makes it personal and more impactful.  Expressing appreciation is a skill and a practice, it takes time and effort.  Try one of these prompts:

What I admire about you is….

Thank you for helping me….

I appreciate you teaching me….

When people in our life feel appreciated, they show-up and give more than what is expected of them.  If you have made it this far, it’s likely someone popped into your mind—take two minutes and do it now, express your appreciation to them.  Notice their response, notice how it makes you feel, notice the shift in energy between you.  If we all did this more often, can you imagine what would be possible?  Here’s to doubling down on appreciation this week! 🙏🏻