“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 🌟💚
Oh wow, @joyfulBeauty7715 you're so good at writing and explaining. This is such a beautiful practice too
@EllaListens
That means so much—thank you! I’m really glad it spoke to you. 💫
@joyfulBeauty7715
This post honestly felt like a cozy nudge. You talked about appreciation in such a down-to-earth, real way. It’s true, we usually think it’s all about gratitude journals or saying thank you, but it’s really just about noticing those small things that make life a bit lighter.
Today, I appreciated having a quiet moment to just breathe after a hectic morning. Sitting for five minutes without my phone felt like a tiny reset. As for appreciating myself… still figuring that out, but I’ve started giving myself credit for the little wins, like showing up for someone or actually letting myself rest when I need it.
Thanks for the reminder. Made me slow down for a minute and actually think about it. 💛
@ynvrtsm
I’m so glad this resonated with you 💛 Taking even a few quiet minutes to breathe and reset is such a simple yet powerful way to appreciate the moment — and noticing your little wins, like showing up for someone or resting when needed, is a beautiful way to honor yourself. Thank you for sharing your reflection — it really brings the idea of appreciation to life.
I am grateful for replying to people in the needs reply queue and for replying to many forum posts.
Gratitude journaling helps me remember to be grateful and think of the positive side of the day.
@Admirablerainbow2825
That’s wonderful! 🌟 Taking the time to respond to others and noticing those moments of connection is a meaningful way to practice appreciation. Pairing it with gratitude journaling is such a great way to stay mindful of the positives in each day — it really reinforces a mindset of presence and care.
@joyfulBeauty7715
1 think today I really appreciated all the support I got today at cups event.
2 it is automatic to appreciate others but I still working on to appreciate. My life more
@Reachforthestars00
That’s lovely to hear! 🌿 Feeling and acknowledging the support you receive is such a meaningful way to practice appreciation. And being intentional about appreciating your own life is a wonderful step — even small, conscious efforts build over time. Keep noticing those moments for yourself too!
@joyfulBeauty7715
Thank you for this wonderful post. Truly inspiring! 💗
One thing I appreciated today was having the gift of a dog. I love my dog so much, and I am so grateful to be in a position where I can have a dog.
I remember to appreciate myself by building in breaks throughout the day for me to just relax and enjoy the sun on my face.
@endearingPup1029
That’s beautiful 💗 Loving and caring for a pet is such a special source of joy, and noticing those small moments of peace, like enjoying the sun, is a wonderful way to appreciate yourself. Thank you for sharing this — it really captures the heart of everyday appreciation.
@joyfulBeauty7715
Thanks for this. Sometimes it’s easy to overlook how powerful noticing the small things can be. Taking a moment to appreciate little moments or what was handled well can really change a day. Appreciation isn’t just about saying thanks it’s about truly seeing what’s there even when life feels messy. That kind of appreciation makes all the difference.
@Mariam973
Exactly — you’ve captured it perfectly 🌿 Noticing the small moments and giving them attention, even amidst life’s messiness, can really shift how we experience our day. Appreciation isn’t just words; it’s a way of truly seeing and valuing what’s present. Thank you for sharing this reflection!
@joyfulBeauty7715
Thanks for reminding us to be grateful.💫 I appreciated the sunshine today.🌻
@JaniceWang
That’s lovely! 🌞 Appreciating simple joys like sunshine can really brighten the day. 🌻
@joyfulBeauty7715 One small thing that I appreciate today is my outfit. It's comfortable and stylish, which makes it easier for me to be doing my work because I feel like I look the part. I also appreciate the coffee that I have, and how calming Panera is. What helps me with self appreciation is celebrating the small wins at the end of the day, or throughout the day. It often feels like I'm not doing enough because some things, like the gym, have become habits already. However, it's still an accomplishment to go to the gym and work on my health.
@Kaleigh3067
That’s wonderful! 🌿 Noticing your outfit, your coffee, and your little comforts shows a great awareness of the small joys in your day. Celebrating daily wins, even habitual ones like the gym, is such a meaningful way to practice self-appreciation — every effort counts!
@joyfulBeauty7715 reading your reflection made me realize that by engaging in those gratitude practices not only are we called to notice but to also create more of those moments that we appreciate both for ourselves and for others☺️
@joyfulBeauty7715
I enjoyed answering these questions.
- One small thing I appreciated today was giving myself a quiet moment to pause and breathe.
- What helps me remember to appreciate myself is gently reminding myself that I deserve the same care and kindness I offer others.