There are fine things which you mean to do someday, under what you think will be more favorable circumstances. But the only time that is surely yours is the present, hence this is the time to speak the word of appreciation and sympathy, to do the generous deed - to sacrifice self a little more for others." Grenville Kleiser Showing Your Appreciation - How To Make Others Feel Special Two of my favorite shows on TV revolve around decorating a room in someones house. I enjoy the shows because I learn fun, creative, and inexpensive ways to decorate but the main reason I like the shows is the whole premise behind them. In both shows, someone - spouse, parent, sibling, or friend, wants to show their appreciation for the person whose room is being redecorated by surprising them with a new design. The person on the receiving end has typically been under some type of pressure or stress or has gone out of their way to help others and deserves some special treatment. In the shows the homeowner leaves for the day or weekend without any clue that a total redesign is taking place at their home. While they are gone, a design team, working furiously with family and friends, gives them a beautiful new room. When the person returns, they walk into their house and get surprised by the design team and their family and friends. There are many tears of astonishment and joy as they realize how loved they are that someone would go to so much trouble for them. And there are tears on both sides as the leader of the project shares why they wanted to do this for their loved one and why they appreciate the other person. It is a very moving moment with hugs, praise, and gratitude. This is the part of the show that really touches me. Is there someone in your life right now that needs a show of appreciation? Maybe a spouse, parent, sibling, child, friend or coworker? Who would benefit, (besides yourself), if you reached out with love? You dont have to remodel a room! Just the fact that you reached out will mean more to the person than what you do. You could show support and caring with a phone call, a card, an evening out, a home cooked meal, time set aside to just listen, give them a break from their routine or a helping hand. Use your wonderful imagination or borrow from others to come up with a show of appreciation for someone close to you. Now who needs your special touch? Over the next week, select one person to reach out to. Decide how you want to show your appreciation and follow through. Just think how good you will feel when you see the surprised look and happy smile on their face! You both will enjoy the outcome! Copyright September 2003 by Vicki Miller |
