The topic of appreciation has been visited often in this blog. Today we are going in to look at appreciation as a tool to adjust our attitudes. When we are feeling blue, disgruntled, entitled, or any emotion that is not pleasant, take a minute to think of what is going right in your world. It may be as simple as your hair looks nice today or even that the sun is shining. Focus on the things and people you appreciate for 60-90 seconds. Longer for a more profound effect. It can really make a difference in your attitude and overall outlook on your day.
Recently I had a medical procedure and found myself in a pretty foul mood. There was no reason I could deduce for the poor attitude. Everything went well, pain was minimal, no complications, energy returned quickly, It went as best as it could have gone yet I still found myself out of sorts. I was so off that I was even finding things to dislike. This was not my usual behavior at all. I needed to get out of this vicious cycle. I chose to focus on some relationships in my life that bring me great joy. I thought about the unconditional love and acceptance I feel in these relationships. I thought about how fortunate I am to have these wonderful relationships in my life. They are very special and unique and certainly not common. Before I knew it my heart was filled with love and I had returned to that feeling of peace that I have come to appreciate and cherish. The vicious circle had turned perpetually loving. What an amazingly simple yet profound action. Please feel free to try it yourself even when you are not feeling discomfort.