The material presented
here is not Al-Anon Conference Approved Literature. It is a method
to exchange
information, ideas, feelings, problems and solutions on a personal
level.
Recently, in a conversation with a dear friend of mine, she commented how appreciative she was about how thoughtful I had been recently.
When she said this, I felt such a nice glow inside.
And her appreciative attitude really helped generate a shift in attitude toward myself. Mainly, I noticed that I beat myself up ALOT over how I am not good enough, not accomplished enough, just not enough...and I decided I wanted to change my attitude toward myself.
After she said these words of appreciation to me, I used this as a tool to generate my own appreciation for myself and I found I glowed inside.
For me, appreciation is different than gratitude. For me, gratitude focuses on the externals, and appreciation focuses on the internals.
Here's are two examples of what I appreciate about myself...
I appreciate how well I have taken care of myself during a very difficult year that including a relationship break-up and a fall out with a family member--I cooked healthy meals, I created new holiday rituals, and I actively sought out new friendships.
I appreciate how I really struggle with tough situations. I try to figure out what my part in it is and I approach difficult situations thoughtfully and with care.
I find the more specific I can be, the better! Doing this exercise really helps lift my spirit, and affirms that I TRULY am a Child of God.
