“Enjoy the little things, for one day you may look back and realize they were the big things.” – Robert Brault
When I saw Appreciation listed as a skill in the IDG framework, I realized how often we associate it with gratitude lists or polite “thank yous.” But in truth, appreciation runs much deeper — it’s a way of seeing the world, ourselves, and others with presence and wonder.
Appreciation means noticing what is good, beautiful, or meaningful, even when life feels heavy or uncertain. It’s choosing to see value in things that might otherwise be overlooked — including in ourselves.
It’s appreciating:
✨ the friend who listens without judgment
✨ the stranger who holds the door
✨ the moment of silence between difficult conversations
✨ the courage it takes to keep going
Appreciation is a skill that can be nurtured — not just practiced occasionally, but woven into how we live, lead, and relate.
Here are a few ways I’ve learned to build appreciation into my daily life:
🌼 Micro-moments of gratitude – I take note of just one small thing each day that brought comfort, inspiration, or joy. A kind word. A warm drink. A moment of calm.
💬 Verbal acknowledgment – I try to express appreciation out loud to others when I notice something good in them. Not waiting for a “big reason” to say it.
🪞 Self-appreciation check-ins – I ask: “What did I handle well today?” or “What small act of care did I offer myself or someone else?” These questions help me see myself with more kindness.
Let’s reflect together:
🌱 What’s one small thing you appreciated today?
🌱 What helps you remember to appreciate yourself as much as you appreciate others?
Appreciation is more than a feel-good exercise — it’s a lens that brings us closer to presence, connection, and compassion. That’s what makes it a quiet superpower within the Relating dimension of the Inner Development Goals.
Looking forward to hearing your reflections — and appreciating the beautiful insight this community brings 🌟💚
@joyfulBeauty7715 This is such a beautiful and grounding reminder and thank you for putting it into words so thoughtfully💚 And today, I appreciated the stillness of the morning before the world got noisy, just a quiet minute with my coffee and my thoughts. It reminded me how healing simplicity can be.
@Phoenixthepoised That’s such a peaceful image ,thank you for sharing it . There’s something so powerful about those quiet, in-between moments, especially when we allow ourselves to just be in them. I love how you said it: “how healing simplicity can be.” That really resonates. I'm so glad this post spoke to you.
@joyfulBeauty7715 Yes, exactly! I think they remind us of what truly matters🌿
@joyfulBeauty7715
This is such a beautiful reflection on appreciation! I love how you highlight that it’s about presence and noticing the small, meaningful moments in life.
Today, I appreciated a quiet conversation with a friend that gave me peace. I also try to practice self-care in small ways, like taking a moment to breathe and reset during the day. Your self-appreciation check-ins are a great reminder to focus on the small wins! 🐱
@Yulianaxxp Thank you so much for your kind words! I love how you highlighted the quiet conversation with a friend, those moments really do bring such peace, don’t they? 🌸 And I’m so glad the self-appreciation check-ins resonated with you! Sometimes it’s those small, intentional pauses that make all the difference. Keep nurturing those moments of care for yourself you’re doing amazing!
@joyfulBeauty7715
Today, I especially appreciated the quiet of the morning and a warm cup of tea—it helped me start the day with calm. Simple moments like that can be surprisingly grounding.
@timabo7055 That sounds so peaceful and grounding, what a lovely way to start the day! Sometimes the simplest moments, like a warm cup of tea, bring the most clarity and calm. It’s beautiful how appreciation can be found in the little things. I’m so glad you took that moment for yourself today.
@joyfulBeauty7715
What helps me remember to appreciate myself as much as I appreciate others is writing down my achievements and small wins, even if they seem minor. It reminds me that I too deserve recognition and care.
@timabo7055 That’s such a wonderful practice! Writing down your achievements, no matter how small, is such a powerful way to affirm your worth and recognize your growth. It’s easy to overlook our own progress, but taking the time to reflect on it can help us feel more grounded in our own value. Keep celebrating yourself, you absolutely deserve it!
@joyfulBeauty7715
I appreciate the presence of god in my life
I remember always that I will stay with me this is enough
@decisiveLemon8530
That’s incredibly grounding and beautiful. Thank you for sharing that.
@joyfulBeauty7715 Today i appreciated the good weather.
@incredibleGrace3758
That’s beautiful! Good weather can be such a quiet gift. Thanks for sharing. 🌿
@joyfulBeauty7715
My time alone , presence of god, my health
@decisiveLemon8530
That’s beautiful. Those are powerful things to appreciate thank you for sharing them. 🌼💫
@joyfulBeauty7715
I will just remember all the good things that I have done to others
@decisiveLemon8530
That’s a beautiful way to stay grounded. Your kindness truly matters. 💫
@joyfulBeauty7715 it's good to see that you've mentioned that there's much more to appreciation than compiling gratitude lists - as useful as these can be, they miss out on the self-appreciative dimension that you've touched on. Taking time to notice something that we value in ourselves primes us to spot that quality in others. The skill - and it is a skill - of appreciation is a more complex dimension that it seems at first glance.
@DemiMondaine
Thank you so much for this beautifully worded reflection. You're absolutely right—self-appreciation opens the door to deeper, more authentic appreciation of others.
And yes, appreciation is a skill one that quietly shapes how we connect, notice, and nurture.
I really value your insight here it adds such richness to the conversation. 🌿💫
@joyfulBeauty7715 That reminds me of Gandalf's quote "Saruman believes that it is only great power that can hold evil in check. But that is not what I have found. I've found it is the small things, everyday deeds of ordinary folk that keeps the darkness at bay." Really makes you think about how the little things have a much bigger impact than we think they do.
@RegalSpirit
Yes, that quote is such a powerful reminder. It beautifully echoes the heart of appreciation: that it’s the small, ordinary acts of care and courage that truly hold meaning.
Thank you for sharing this, it adds such depth and warmth to the reflection. ✨