Appreciation Day

One of the things I want more of in the Future is kindness, “thank you”’s, and appreciation. From here forward, I am going to have the 7th of the month be Appreciation Day on this blog.

There are many people that you can have appreciation for and show your appreciation to. Teachers, writers, actors, directors, cops, firefighters, librarians, coworkers, bosses, family, and many others. There most likely is someone in your life who has done good things for you either directly or as “just part of the job”. Was there a teacher that helped you? Is there a writer whose books bring you joy? An actor who moves you no matter what you see him (or her) in? A director whose every movie is on your book shelf? Cops and firefighters keep us safe. Librarians manage the source of wonderful free items. Perhaps you have a coworker who always has a kind word for someone, a boss who has helped you in your career, a family member who has always supported you, or someone else who has improved your life in some way.

If there is no one in your life, then think about history. There are many freedoms that I would not experience if it were not for numerous historical figures. What about in your country? Or researchers who have done great things for medicine – Louis Pasteur, Jonas Salk, and many others. There are also great organizations that have helped improve the world, if no individual captures your fancy.

Write this person or group your thanks. If you can and are willing to, send them a note. If not, then keep the note or toss it away, knowing that even if the other person doesn’t feel appreciated, you feel the appreciation. Sometimes, it’s difficult to express your thanks, but there are ways to feel appreciation without leaving yourself vulnerable.

To kick off this Appreciation Day, I have just written to a pair of authors whose joint works are some of the best I read. Virtually anonymous, yet sincere. Let me know who you thank. You could even thank them in the comments section, letting everyone know what they’ve done for your.

Happy Appreciation Day.