Appreciating Life

If You're Reading This...

You have technology, electricity, and possibly even time to read this. I said that to say, you may be able to find something or someone to appreciate in your life.

Quick Story

My emotional well-being journey started before I actually realized it. When I was two years old and my 4-year-old brother died suddenly, my parents went into a deep sadness, and I had to find my way - the way to thrive in a house of darkness.

Did I know that at the time? No.

What do I know now? Emotional well-being is an act of faith every day - faith in the idea that I will have the strength to handle my life, a reminder to 'smell the roses', and a hope for the future.

Here's what we know so far...

Mental health includes our emotional, psychological, and social well-being. It affects how we think, feel, and act. It also helps determine how we handle stress, relate to others, and make choices. Mental health is important at every stage of life, from childhood and adolescence through adulthood. (Article: What is Mental Health?, mentalhealth.gov, May 28, 2020)

An activity I've done to recenter my spiraling mind:

Make a list of people and things you appreciate. Include what you appreciate about them and why. Notice how you feel after writing the list.

Quotes and Interpretations

Appreciation is a wonderful thing: It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well. Voltaire

The more one does and sees and feels, the more one is able to do, and the more genuine may be one's appreciation of fundamental things like home, and love, and understanding companionship. Amelia Earhart

Take a few minutes every day, just to appreciate something. Anything in which you can find the good. Nature is a good place to start.

There is a part of you this has no problem loving and appreciating. Tap into that part of yourself.

Imagine your day feeling in awe of simple beauties. Just imagine.

Nature shows a sense of patience and appreciation. In nature growing things are patient and appreciate the sun and the water, and even the human. Use nature’s example.

What you have right now in your life is worth appreciating. The simple will to live is worth appreciating.

There are many things worth appreciating before they are gone, like time and health.

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