Better Business Practice – The Art of Appreciation
UnCommon Sense
The Art of Appreciation
By Rose Scott
“Appreciate the things that you have before changes force you to appreciate what you used to have.” Anon
A close observance of the ego based modern society that we live in will highlight how little gratitude seems to be felt, let alone expressed, for the multitude of daily blessings and benefits that we all share.
This may sound like a much generalised comment, but when comparing the average standard of living today with fifty years ago, we live in luxury. Just fifty years ago most people had little or no access to electricity or running water; today many complain about a lack of instant gratification.
Fifty years ago most clothes were still washed by hand, no ‘ready-made’ meals existed and most people mowed their own lawns and cleaned up after themselves. Jobs were not protected by seemingly liberal labour laws, if your boss didn’t like the colour of your tie you may be looking for alternatives.
Perhaps it is a case of hindsight being twenty-twenty, but even in my limited experience; I remember a happier world when there were fewer choices and less to grumble about “not having.”
Another common theme in the lives of those that ARE willing to look at their lives through the lenses of appreciation is that the more willing and able one is to truly acknowledge gratitude for all one currently has, the simpler it seems to be able to access more ….
It is almost as if there is a law of nature that rewards deep appreciation of what one already has. If you have family and friends, a roof over your head also food on the table then you are rich beyond the dreams of millions living in abject poverty. Perhaps we must learn to refocus – not on what we want, but rather on all that we DO HAVE.
May you have an appreciative and rewarding week.