What We Appreciate

“If all you ever did was look for things to appreciate you would live a joyous, spectacular life.” ~Abraham

Do you ever feel taken for granted? I believe everyone does at some time or some days. That leads me to wonder if I might be taking someone else for granted or if they might be feeling that way? It isn’t unusual. Actually, that’s human nature; taking the best things in life for granted is a habit.

“Human beings have the most perverse tendency to take the best things in life for granted. In fact, a human being has the capacity to take anything, no matter how great, for granted~once he becomes used to it.”

I Googled the word “granted” at Dictionary.com and found, “to use, accept, or treat in a careless or indifferent manner and at Urban Dictionary: “take for granted, To assume you will never lose something.”

“It seems the longer two people live together, the more they tend to take one another for granted. It’s like driving a brand-new car-at first it’s exciting and interesting, but with time, well, it’s just a car.”

Both of the previous quotes are from Earl Nightingale. He was a very wise man. I didn’t discover his words until a few years ago. As a young woman I listened to a lot of Bonnie Raitt’s music. One verse has been anchored in my mind for decades as “wisdom”. It’s from the song “Women Be Wise”. The line goes, “Women be wise, keep your mouth shut, don’t advertise your man.” You know, don’t brag about how great he is. That seemed pretty smart! Now, I think it’s a habit I’m going to change.

Today isn’t a special occasion~necessarily. It isn’t our anniversary or a significant date. It just feels like a good time to tell my husband that I love him dearly and, while it might seem like I do, I never take him for granted.  I appreciate that he brings me coffee in bed. In 2007 he bought me a dozen roses on our anniversary. The following year he gave me a jewelry box I had been asking for. The thing is, it wasn’t the flowers or the jewelry box that I cherish. It’s that those things were reminders of what a kind heart he has. He always thinks things cost more than they should, but he still dug deep into his pocket to buy me something he knew I would love! Yes, I appreciate you every day, Beau Bishop. I’m going to make it a habit to say that out loud more often!

Are there any old habits, old beliefs you might want to release today? Is there someone you might seemingly take for granted; a spouse, family member, co-worker or friend?  We all like to hear kind words and what someone loves about us.

“I like not only to be loved, but to be told that I am loved.” (George Eliot 1819-1880)

This moment will never return. Share your good thoughts out loud. It doesn’t cost a dime, but it might make someone you care about feel like a million bucks! Let’s not take each other for granted. The people in our lives are what make us rich.

I adore and appreciate YOU…. very much. Thank you for reading this page and for sharing it.

Kellie