As you reflect, you may realize that many people have guided you along your path. Perhaps you remember when you first entered treatment and struggled to breathe a breath of sobriety. You may remember a person who made a difference during that time. Maybe you have one person for whom you feel grateful now that you’re doing better. A “thank you” doesn’t seem to be enough, and it might be unethical to shower them with gifts. What is the next best thing to do? Also, how can showing appreciation to others help you?
This article will explore appreciation and explain how practicing appreciation benefits not only the person receiving it but also the one giving it. In addition, we will provide small and helpful ways to show appreciation as an alumnus. This article will also offer useful resources that The Guest House provides to assist you in practicing appreciation.
What Is Appreciation?
Feeling genuinely appreciated is one of those things that can lift your mood in a matter of seconds. Think about it: When someone shows you appreciation, your heart smiles, and you may feel a little less heavy. In a world full of stress and unforeseeable events, showing appreciation doesn’t cost a thing and can be the most valuable gift you give.
At the most basic level, showing appreciation makes you feel safe and therefore motivates you to continue to do a great job, whether that’s at work, school, or elsewhere. Maybe you don’t know exactly what showing appreciation looks like. According to The American Heritage Dictionary, “Appreciation means recognizing the quality, value, significance, or magnitude of people and things.
In other words, appreciation is a recognition of the value or worth of something. It’s a feeling of admiration or approval for something that’s been done. Appreciation focuses on the value or worth of something, and it is a helpful response during recovery.
Why Does Showing Appreciation Matter in Recovery?
Showing appreciation can be confused with giving praise or recognition in recovery. While giving those is also important, appreciation extends much further. Giving appreciation validates someone’s strengths, accomplishments, personality, and uniqueness. Everyone deserves appreciation because each person has great possibilities in life.
Appreciation is a human need, both during recovery and in someone’s personal life. It is important to feel accepted, valued, and wanted in any type of relationship. This feeling of appreciation is at the center of any healthy relationship. When a person does not receive or express appreciation, more than likely, that relationship will fail. Showing appreciation in recovery is important not only for yourself but for those around you.
How to Practice Showing Appreciation to Others
Most people feel like they are not appreciated in life in general, let alone in recovery. Do you show your appreciation to others? If you struggle with showing appreciation, below are four ways to do so:
1.) Write a “thank-you” note. Showing appreciation through taking the time to write a note to someone can allow you to show appreciation and allow the other person to feel it. These notes require more effort than a verbal “thank you” and can be a special way to show another that you care. You can thank a person for something specific or just the personality traits you notice.
2.) Express gratitude for people in your life. All too often, people assume that others know how much they are cared for; however, more often than not, that is not the case. Showing appreciation can be a matter of using thoughtful words to express the feelings you have. For example, when you tell a friend why you are grateful for them, this will affect them positively. Expressing gratitude in everyday interactions is a great way of showing appreciation in recovery.
3.) Be kind. Sure, this phrase has been overused; however, two words can mean a world of difference. Showing appreciation does not have to be a huge production. It can be something so simple and plain, such as telling someone that you are glad that they showed up for you in recovery. In addition, you may want to stay after a 12-Step meeting to clean up. A little kindness can go a long way toward showing appreciation to others.
4.) Connect with yourself through yoga. Yoga classes offer a format for showing appreciation to yourself. Also, taking time to focus on yourself in the stillness of nature can bring a space of awareness to your recovery. At The Guest House, we value yoga in recovery and know the value of showing appreciation for yourself.
Showing Appreciation at The Guest House
There are many ways that appreciation can be shown in recovery. At The Guest House, we value you in whatever state you are in. It is our honor to meet you where you are at and cultivate a space of kindness and love in your journey. Appreciation is shown daily in the way we conduct ourselves and cheer on those who struggle. The Guest House is not just a rehabilitation center but a place where many people have found deep-rooted connections and family.
Showing appreciation does not have to be a large production or cost money. It can be done with a small gesture, such as opening a door or offering coffee for someone. Showing appreciation is making another person feel acknowledged and valued for their efforts. Appreciation creates an uplifting feeling that heals the soul, one appreciation at a time. At The Guest House, we value appreciation, and we want to meet you right where you are at in your journey. If you or someone you know is struggling or just needs to know that they are valued, please do not hesitate and give us a call at (855) 483-7800. We will be happy to offer support, guidance, and appreciation.