I’m sure that you’ve heard the old saying appreciation builds confidence, but what does it really mean? For example, why does appreciating all of your friends actually make you more confident? The truth is that appreciation and confidence are connected in several ways. The more you appreciate the people in your life, the more confidence you will have in them, which then makes you appreciate them even more.
1) Acknowledge the people who help you
Appreciation is more than a phrase. It is an action that you can do with your family, friends, and strangers alike. One way to show gratitude is by acknowledging the people in your life who help you. I’ve made a list of 4 little things that you can do to appreciate what you have 1) Send someone a note of appreciation: Write someone a letter or card telling them how much they mean to you. Consider one thing that you love about this person, and write it down on the card as well. The next time they need encouragement, they will know where to find it! 2) Volunteer for an organization you care about: Volunteering is a great way to meet new people, develop skills, and make a difference in your community. If there are any organizations that stand out for you, see if there are volunteer opportunities available. A good place to start might be United Way—they have tons of different options for volunteering at different times throughout the year. There are also plenty of other non-profit organizations like Habitat for Humanity that are always looking for volunteers! 3) Get active outside: Try volunteering at a local park, taking walks around your neighborhood, or just going outside to play in the snow with your kids. Exercise is great not only because it feels good but because it gives you endorphins—feel-good hormones released into the bloodstream during physical activity. 4) Say thank you: We often take our many blessings for granted. Make a habit of saying thank you when someone helps us—from opening doors to making us breakfast in bed when we’re sick. Take a few minutes every day to think about all of the amazing people in your life. How would your day change without their support?
2) Keep a gratitude journal
Keeping a gratitude journal is an easy way to show appreciation for the things you have. Plus, it can be a great way to make your day better. Here are 4 ways you can start keeping a gratitude journal:
1) Write down three things you’re grateful for every night before bed. 2) Write down one thing that made you happy each day at the end of your day. 3) Keep track of what’s making you happy throughout your day in a notepad on your phone or computer. 4) Start writing down one good thing that happens each time you go into the bathroom, like noticing how clean it is or being grateful for the toilet paper roll being full.
3) Smile more
Every morning, when you wake up, make it a point to smile. Put on your favorite song and dance around the house. Laugh at your own jokes or at nothing at all. It’s these little moments that make life so beautiful and worth living.
4) Help someone else
1) Keep a gratitude journal. Write down three things you are grateful for every day. 2) Make a list of your top five values in life and write them on an index card or piece of paper that you can keep with you. Carry it in your wallet or purse. 3) Smile more often, even if it’s just for yourself. 4) Spend time with people who make you happy and forget about the ones that don’t!
5) Be mindful of your words
- Recognize how fortunate you are and thank the people who have helped you get where you are today. 2. Take a moment everyday to reflect on your life and write down three things that make you happy, grateful, or appreciative. 3. Write a thank-you card for someone who has done something for you recently and mail it off. 4. If someone does something nice for you, make sure to let them know that it’s appreciated with a simple gesture like saying thank-you, giving them a hug, or by giving them a little gift like flowers or baked goods from your kitchen
6) The power of touch
A simple pat on the back, a hug, or even hand holding with your significant other or a friend can say so much. Even if you don’t feel particularly close to someone, touch is an easy way to establish rapport and create emotional connection. So take the time each day to reach out and touch another human being. It doesn’t have to be anything more than placing your palm against their arm for a moment, but it will make both of you feel more connected and less alone.
7) Show your appreciation
The present is the only time that we have. If you’re not happy with what you have right now, then it’s time to change your perspective. There are so many little things that we can do every day that will make us happier. Here are 10 ways that you can live in the moment and appreciate what you already have.
1) Smile more often 2) Be grateful for your life 3) Take care of yourself 4) Spend time with your family 5) Find new hobbies 6) Treat yourself 7) Do a random act of kindness 8 ) Volunteer 9 ) Meditate 10) Get outside more often
8) Listen with your heart
What are you grateful for? It’s the little things in life that matter the most, and it feels great to take a moment to be thankful for everything we have. Here are 3 ways you can give thanks:
- Give up your seat on the bus or train when someone else needs it more
- Hold the door open for people
- Tell your loved ones how much they mean to you every day
9) Live in the present moment
Take time everyday to appreciate the little things in life. It’s easy to get caught up in our busy lives and take for granted what we have. Use this list as a reminder of the little things that matter the most.
1) Spend time with your friends and family – it is so important to build relationships with those you love, especially if you spend a lot of time apart due to work or school schedules. 2) Smile at strangers – it doesn’t cost anything but will brighten somebody else’s day! 3) Take a walk outside – sometimes we forget how beautiful nature can be when we are stuck inside all day long.
10) Give thanks
1) _ I am thankful for the memories that have created who I am today. 2) I am thankful for the family and friends in my life who have supported me through all of life’s ups and downs. 3) I am thankful for the day-to-day things that make me happy, such as a nice meal, a good night’s sleep or a great workout. 4) I am grateful for all of the opportunities that life has given me to experience different things and grow as a person. 5) ___ I am thankful for how hard my family worked when we were little so that we would have more opportunities than they did.