How appreciation can become a gateway drug to feeling good...

The adage, "What you give, you get," is so true, especially regarding appreciation. Practicing appreciation can instantaneously shift your perspective and change your entire outlook on life for the better.

Appreciation is an important precursor to gratitude because it opens the door to the act of thanksgiving. However, you can't express gratitude until you've experienced appreciation first. 

Appreciation is a gateway drug to seeing the good things in your life. When you focus on the good, the more of it you'll see. It becomes the filter for how you see the world, which means… you're permitting yourself to choose a perspective of joy, happiness, and possibility. 

When you anchor the foundation of appreciation in your life, you can easily express gratitude to others. You know what this gratitude is based on; it becomes a state for living authentically and in the moment. 

And when you pay it forward by expressing appreciation to others, you make them feel good and create the kind of world you want to live in. So, don't underestimate the power of appreciation. It really can change your life and the world!

Why is appreciation important?

 In a world so often filled with negativity, it's important to take a moment to appreciate the good things in your life. It's too easy to get caught up in what's wrong and forget what's right. Yet, there's so much 'right' around you that it's the invitation to see and appreciate it.

When you show appreciation, a cascade of emotions is elicited in others. They feel valued, encouraged, supported, and good about themselves. Your appreciation helps them increase their sense of self-value and worth.

You also contribute to a more positive environment around you when you project appreciation for what you have and how you're blessed. Most of all, a key gift of appreciation is how it improves connection on all levels. People are more likely to reciprocate and show appreciation when they feel appreciated. This can help to build a stronger, more positive relationship.

How does appreciation affect our brain?

 When you feel appreciated, your brain releases dopamine and serotonin, feel-good neurotransmitters. This helps you feel happy, motivated and engaged. For example, in one study, participants were given either compliments or criticism. Those who received compliments had an instant increase in dopamine levels. And, the more genuine the compliments were the greater the dopamine and serotonin response. This dopamine release can lead to feelings of happiness, pleasure, and satisfaction.

When we feel appreciated, it also activates the brain's reward center. This is the part of the brain that is responsible for pleasure and motivation. As a result, feeling appreciated can lead to increased drive and productivity.

Appreciation can also help reduce overthinking and anxiety which impair the hippocampus. Unfortunately, over time, this degeneration can increase the risk of developing other neuropsychiatric disorders, including depression and dementia.

Appreciation helps to shift our focus from the negative to the positive. Focusing on the positive can help reduce stress and anxiety levels, allow our bodies to relax, and uplift our mood considerably.

The benefits of appreciation

 We all know how good it feels when someone shows us appreciation. But did you know that appreciation also has amazing health and well-being benefits? Appreciation can deliver many health benefits. 

1. It can improve our mental and emotional health

This is because appreciation helps to release feel-good chemicals in the brain, like dopamine and serotonin. These chemicals can help improve our mood, reduce stress and anxiety, and increase our overall well-being.

2. It can improve our physical health

This is because appreciation helps reduce stress levels, which can lead to various health benefits. For example, lower stress levels have been linked to a reduced risk of heart disease, stroke, and other chronic health conditions.

3. It can improve our relationships

This is because appreciation helps to build trust, communication, and intimacy. When we feel appreciated by the people we care about, we are more likely to feel appreciated in return. This can help to create a more positive and supportive relationship.

4. It can increase our overall satisfaction with life

This is because appreciation helps us focus on our lives positive aspects and be more grateful for what we have. When we are more grateful, we are more likely to be satisfied with our lives.

5. It can help us to achieve our goals

This is because appreciation helps to motivate and inspire us. When we feel appreciated, we are more likely to be engaged in our work and productivity. This can help us to achieve our goals more easily.

Appreciation and goals

 When you show appreciation for what you have, you are more likely to achieve your goals. This is because gratitude creates a sense of abundance. When you have enough, you are more likely to take risks and go after your dreams. 

1. Appreciation can help us to achieve our goals. This is because appreciation helps to motivate and inspire us. When we feel appreciated, we are more likely to be engaged in our work and productive overall. This can help us to achieve our goals more easily.

2. Appreciation can help us to stay focused on our goals.  This is because appreciation helps to shift our focus from the negative to the positive. When we focus on the positive, it can help us to stay motivated and on track.

3. Appreciation can help us to stay committed to our goals.  This is because appreciation helps to build trust and communication. When we feel appreciated by the people we care about, we are more likely to feel appreciated in return. This can help to create a more positive and supportive relationship that can help us to stay committed to our goals.

What are some ways to show appreciation?

There are countless ways to show appreciation. It can start with awareness and presence at the moment, which then ripples into physical actions and words. Tell people that you appreciate them and why. This doesn't have to be complicated or flowery. A simple "Thank you for your help. I really appreciate it" will do.

You can also write your appreciation down. This can often be easier through a thank you note, an email, or even a handwritten letter. The key is to be specific about what you are thankful for. This will make the other person feel appreciated and valued.

Give a gift. This could be small and simple, like a coffee mug or a gift card. Or, it could be something bigger and more significant, like a piece of jewelry. Whatever you choose, the key is to make sure it is thoughtful and comes from the heart.

Do something special for the other person. This could be anything from cooking their favorite meal to taking them on a special vacation. Whatever you do, make sure it is something that they will truly appreciate.

Go out of your way to help. This could be something as simple as offering to help with a project or running an errand for the other person. Whatever you do, make sure it is something that will truly be helpful and appreciated.

How am I sharing appreciation with you this season?

One of the ways that I'm showing appreciation to my clients this year is by offering a never-been-done Black Friday Sale on my most popular service: Akashic Record Readings.

This Black Friday, I'm offering a very special sale. I'm offering 20 Akashic Records Readings at $197.00. You can use this for up to one year, but there is only a very limited number: 20. 

I'm also offering a super discount on my VIP sessions. I'm offering 10 VIP Executive Sessions (3-package sessions with transcriptions and more!) for $1111.

I'll drop the special code for this Limited Holiday Season Sale on Black Friday. 

Have a great holiday season ahead and a blessed Thanksgiving, friend. I appreciate you so very much!