The Super Power of Appreciation by Anne Nayer (Coach Paradise)

It’s as easy as clicking the remote, turning on a light or opening the curtains. Anyone can do it with instant results. It’s the Super Power of appreciation in action.

I was in the pharmacy filling a prescription and chatting with the pharmacist about my upcoming trip. She wanted to know where I was going and what I do here on St. Thomas. I told her I was Coach Paradise, a Life Coach and she said, “Oh that’s you! I listen to you on WSTA every Saturday and I love you. ” I beamed, pleased to meet one of my anonymous listeners and get such positive feed-back.

Filled with the light of appreciation, I thanked her and turned the spotlight right back at her: ” I’ve got to tell you what an amazing difference you make. You are so helpful, so warm, so friendly.” It was her turn to beam.

We were both feeling pretty good and our little lights had grown visibly more golden, catching passerby in their rays and
I was on a roll. At my next stop – I told my medical practitioner that I’d been seeing her around and meaning to tell her how great she was looking. She beamed and filled me in.

When people compliment us and point out what they like, we see it too. When we do the same for others, they stand taller as they consider the truth of the compliment. If they own it – even a little – their lights start to glow and grow and it is a wonderful thing to behold.

I’ve been on bank lines standing in front (or behind) people with sour pusses until I mention that I love their earrings. I love watching them reach up, touch the earrings and say, “oh yes, thank you my husband gave these to me.” It’s as though they’re seeing themselves for the first time, as in a mirror and they like what they see. There’s a softening.

When was the last time anyone thanked you for doing the laundry or taking out the garbage. When was the last time you told someone how grateful you are that they are a part of your life or what you love about them.

Where ever you are right now, look around, find something to appreciate and speak your appreciation out-loud (for the view, the person, the song on the radio…)

Notice how you feel. Notice how the one appreciated changes. Rinse. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat throughout the week. I’ve found that the act of appreciation opens up a loop like channel that just keeps on giving. The more I notice all there is to appreciate and take a minute to give thanks the more my life overflows with things to appreciate.

Have you ever felt like you’ve won the lottery just driving around and thinking about your life enjoying the scenery here in paradise?