The A Word That Can Change Everything

“Appreciation can make a day, even change a life. Your willingness to put it into words is all that is necessary.”

— Margaret Cousins

The pursuit of goals and focus on the future can be so consuming that sometimes we forget the simple joys and the gratitude we can feel for what’s currently around us.

A few years ago, during a particularly gloomy winter, I found myself feeling a bit flat despite all my endeavours. During a conversation with a mentor about this slump, the topic of appreciation came up. They suggested a playful yet profound exercise that I’ll never forget—an appreciation blitz for my wife, TLJ*.

One rainy evening, armed with a pack of yellow Post-its, I gathered our kids, Sam and Jane, who were just 6 and 8 at the time, and suggested a game. They bought into it immediately as children usually do. 🙂

We wrote down everything we loved about their mum on yellow Post-its. Then with TLJ seated in the kitchen, we stuck the notes on her, one by one, covering her from head to toe.

This simple act turned an ordinary night into a memorable celebration of appreciation and fun. More importantly, it shifted the energy in our house dramatically and instantaneously.

This experience was a powerful reminder of the importance of recognising and valuing what we have:

• We often forget our beginnings and the path we’ve travelled.
• We often forget and overlook the wonderful aspects of our daily lives.
• We often forget what we have and focus more on what’s missing.

What’s striking to me is how cultivating a mindset of appreciation not only enhances our personal lives but also boosts our performance at work. It grounds us in the present, heightening our awareness and allowing us to acknowledge the value in every moment.

This week, I encourage you to try an appreciation blitz somewhere in your life. It could be with family, friends or colleagues. It doesn’t have to be what I did with the kids – it can be as simple as saying ‘thank you’ to someone for something you appreciate about them.

If you do take up this challenge, notice how this small act can shift your perspective and lift the spirits of everyone involved – you included.

Appreciation is the foundation of joy and satisfaction in every aspect of life.

Best,

Shane

*TLJ stands for The Lovely Judy.

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