Welcome to a new week of opportunities.
Today’s letter is a short one. I want to start by saying thank you to each person that has read, shared or replied to a TTP letter. It means the world.
 
This week I was reminded of the importance of showing appreciation. There is a saying that “familiarity breeds contempt”. I’d always felt the word contempt was a little harsh in some scenarios but I believe that when it comes to our close relations, familiarity does have a way of breeding complacency. The subtle thing about familiarity is that it’s the little things you begin to overlook, as opposed to the big grand gestures. When something becomes your norm it is very easy to take it for granted, and so the same thing that once brought you so much joy is now received without a second thought. This is why it is imperative that we are intentional about showing appreciation and giving thanks.

The truth is this, everyone responds well to feeling appreciated. It’s a universal language that can encourage and empower the people in our life to know that they are loved and their efforts are felt. Consider creative ways that you can show up for these people. You may not always be in a position to spoil them how you wish, but don’t let that get in the way of what is possible. Consider what role sending a card, a kind message, or simply being present together can have? The beauty of appreciation is felt not in the bredth of the gesture, but the depth of the heart behind the gesture. So often, it’s the little things that speak loudly.

One of the most wonderful happenings about showing appreciation is that it somehow manages to light up the giver too. Think about the last time you did something for someone to say thank you. The very act cultivates an air of appreciation which beautifully flows to them and back to you. What we appreciate increases. It multiplies, and becomes bigger. Tomorrow isn’t promised. We are not entitled to another second. Each day is a gift and so the moments we spend with our loved ones are to be cherished. Remember, when your heart is in it - a little goes a long way. You can’t always go back to say thank you, but every day is a new opportunity to give someone flowers, while they can still smell them.