Appreciation: Small Gestures with Big Impacts
It has been 16-years since the 9/11 attack in New York City. May all the lives that were lost on that day rest in peace. Many families are still carrying the burden of its effect today. National security has advanced in attempt to prevent similar attacks in the future. However, a life can be lost at any given moment- prevented or not. We are not guaranteed tomorrows. 9/11 reminds us that we should never take our loved ones for granted. While we honor those who lost their lives or family members, remember to also show your appreciation to your loved ones with these suggestions:
1. Don’t hold grudges. All problems can be communicated through and fixed. Holding grudges results in wasted time and bad energy. Replace that with cherished memories and positive energy.
2. Leave notes for your loved ones to find. The art in handwritten notes is fading. Leave a note for your partner or children in their bedroom or packed lunches. Let your family know how much you love them and wish them a good day.
3. Offer a shoulder to cry on. Inform your loved ones they have a judgment free person to talk to. People appreciate a stable support system that will listen to them. No one wants to feel alone. People also do not want to feel the pressure to act on advice given by family members. Just be there to listen and give them the freedom to decide what to do with their problem.
4. Surprise a loved one with a gift they’ve wanted. A free alternative could be to simply help them with something they have mentioned needing help with in the past. Maybe housework or home-improvement work. People appreciate that their peers hear and remember what they’re saying.
5. Treat your loved ones with hand-made gifts. A piece of jewelry, baked goods, or home décor. It’s the thought that counts.