Thursday
Mar042010
Appreciation
March 4, 2010 * * * * * Posted by: Sue 
“Wine is constant proof that God loves us and loves to see us happy.”
~Benjamin Franklin
I have a very special cousin whom I refer to as my sister. Yes, she is that close and that dear. Never having had a sister to confide in, Leanne is the one that I share my deepest, most secret and private thoughts and feelings.
She is the cousin that brings joy and laughter to the family. The cousin that is always upbeat and positive. She always sees the best in everyone. The room is warmer and more welcoming when Leanne is there.
There is no need to go into the details, but I sometimes am very hard on myself, frequently focusing on my weaknesses rather than strengths. Often times I don't take time to appreciate the many talents, gifts and blessings I've been fortunate enough to enjoy.
Knowing and understanding how I sometimes feel, Leanne shared a book with me containing positive daily affirmations; a book whose concepts and principles Leanne uses on her life journey. Written by Suzanne E. Harrill, M.Ed, "Seed Thoughts For Loving Yourself" is intended to help one "Discover your innate worth, change negative self-talk, improve your attitude, habits, and actions, and learn sound psychological concepts and spiritual truths."
True confessions here...I'm afraid I don't read the daily affirmation each and every day. However, I can truthfully say that when I take time to have some morning quiet time, read and think about an affirmation, and attempt to carry the affirmation with me throughout the day, my outlook for the day is nearly always brighter and more positive.
I am sharing this passage with you as an example of one the affirmations from the book. This affirmation is one that I especially can relate to at this stage of my life journey.
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Appreciation
I release judgments of past behaviors, unrealistic expectations, and choices that slowed me down or took me on side trips.
I forgive myself for all unwise choices.
I acknowledge myself for all the growth and expansion achieved.
I appreciate the perspective I now have on life.
I appreciate all I have learned from each of my experiences, as I weave them together into the tapestry of my life journey.
I deeply appreciate myself.
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Image made at Leanne's "Summer Cottage" in Illinois
Affirmation quoted with the author's permission.
Reader Comments (13)
Such great words and thoughts to start my day. Believing..trusting..and appreciating oneself is the hardest part of the journey. And - what a wonderful 'affirming' image to accompany the words. The power of positive thinking!!! Thank-you.
Ohhhh, that looks like one of Boyds shelf-sitters, Sue?! It's a priceless image for your text today because you can't help but smile. I hate it that we can't just always smile at ourselves and loosen up. Are we all the same? Why are we so hard on ourselves! My guess is it's the plight of artists. I often think of David, the Psalmist...so up and down all the time with his emotions and self esteem. Thanks for the reminder that we need to appreciate OURSELVES first. How can we love others if we don't first love ourselves. Thank you, thank you. I appreciate you!
Sue, I needed this so much :) Thanks for sharing! I will take your affirmations with me thoughout the days to come.
I love this affirmation and I going to carry it with me today.
Isn't it interesting that we have to hear the correct inner voice or all the outside affirmation falls on a deaf ear? Everyone must struggle with this issue, but not everyone admits it. Your 'Verb' is an important one, to be sure. Farmergal
Thoughtful, Sue. Yes, appreciating self seems so much harder than appreciating others. Good reminder.
sue . I so appreciate your honesty and can identify with you in many ways. I soaked up the affirmation and will hold it close today...
truth be told I REALLY like what Benjamin Franklin had to say!!
That's a really wonderful affirmation, Sue. I think it is one from which most would benefit - the self-judging and forgiveness, in particular. A wonderful post - and the Ben Franklin character sure knew what he was talking about!!
Ah! Exactly why this is a good place to start my day. Thanks, Sue!
How sweet she looks the little fairy of self appreciation :-) Your words and thoughts are great.
When we are so appreciated by our sisters here I think we learn to appreciate ourselves more. And hey, I'm ALL about the wine making me happy!
i couldn't get online all weekend, but reading yours - this Monday morning - is a wonderful way to start the week: a bit of a pause, deep breath, and take these words with me through what i think might be a bit of a trying week. thank you :)
Yeah, I think she's alright, too. Haha! JOKING! She's my mom and the saviour of my family. We would all be down the tubes without her. She doesn't realize who her own emotional work has cross-pollinated to make our lives better.