The Importance of Appreciation

I often ask my clients what they believe to be the ratio of negative sentiments to positive sentiment expressed to their partner and family.  This often causes them to laugh as they take stock of the imbalance in expression.  It seems in the rush of life it is easy not to comment or express appreciation for the things that are working and the efforts that are being made.  The problem is if we generally are expressing dissatisfaction to those around us without expressing enough gratitude or appreciation the situation can feel negative and hopeless.  The good news is this is a relatively easy situation improve.  Think of all the things you do appreciate about the people around you whether they are your partner, child, colleague or friend.  Express more gratitude and appreciation to the people in your life.  This simple act will improve the quality your life and those around you and many cases this effort serves as the beginning of creating positive and healing communication.