Sometimes, life’s push and pull can make you forget about how important it is to show your appreciation to the ones that mean the most to you. If you’re like most people trapped in life’s fast-paced rat race, take time to slow down a little and appreciate the people in your life, letting them know how important they are to you. Yes, you know that special someone means a lot to you, but you might end up taking them for granted while you’re focused on navigating life. So, if a loved one has been good to you, use these tips to show that you appreciate them.
- Do something nice for them for no reason
It could be that colleague who always covers for you or that partner who has been a reliable shoulder to lean on. Special people have contributed (and most likely still do) to your life in many ways. One of the best ways to show your appreciation is to do something for them for no reason. Well, you know the reason, but you’re not supposed to tell them. You don’t need a special occasion, and there’s no need to purchase anything fancy. Simple things like a gift card or an appreciation note can put smiles on their faces. Think of anything nice you can do and make it happen with no strings attached. But it shouldn’t be a one-off thing; try to make this form of appreciation a habit.
- Honour their existence
Honouring someone’s existence shows a deep recognition and respect for their individuality and humanity. It allows you to acknowledge their accomplishments, struggles, unique qualities, and presence. You can even honour a loved one’s absence and appreciate the impact they had on your life while they were still alive. That is where working with funeral directors to create a befitting burial and memorial comes in. If your loved one is still involved in your life, an excellent way to honour them is to celebrate their achievements publicly and show the respect and pride you have for them.
- Practice active listening
Multitasking when someone wants your full attention is one of the quickest ways to make them feel less important or not valued. On the other hand, giving someone your undivided attention when they need your audience is a simple way to make them feel valued and appreciated. That is why active listening is important. People will hardly feel appreciated if you give them all the gifts in the world but fail to listen to them. So, try to avoid multitasking when listening or talking to someone you want to appreciate. Offer them your undivided attention and stay in the moment whenever you’re with them. That should make them feel appreciated.
- Offer a helping hand
You probably want to show your appreciation to your loved one because they’ve been of immense help to you in one way or another. So, how about reciprocating by offering to help them when they need it? For example, if you know they’re dealing with too much on their plate, offer to help in any way that you can ease their load. Of course, what to do depends on what your loved one is dealing with. In some cases, simply being there can be all the help they need.
Laura x