by Joyce M. George-Knight

Created on: September 12, 2009

Do you ever get the feeling that people crave compliments? I'm thinking of the store clerk I complimented for bagging the food items in one bag and the detergents and hand soap in another bag. What a surprised look I was given, along with, "Why, thank you. I bag the way I wish others would do for me." Are we really too preoccupied with the fast-paced life we live that we can't take time to observe little things around us and say a few words that can brighten another person's day? If nothing else every day, I try to show appreciation to at least one individual. Some ways include:

"Thank You." Two brief words but they let someone know they made a difference. So often when a kind deed is performed, the receiver simply gives a nod or walks off with a total disregard for anything having been said. How cold and rude. Certainly they can make an effort to show gratitude.

Pick up something and return it to the person. Rather than walking on by and ignoring the dollar you saw fall on the floor, bend down so you can return it to its owner. Whether the individual acknowledges your action or not, in your heart you have the satisfaction of knowing you did the right thing and you made a difference to that person.

Home made symbol of appreciation. Whether you enjoy baking, making cards, sewing, woodworking or any number of crafts or hobbies, you can think of making something that will perk up a shut-in, a recovering patient or a newly widowed person or a family who buried a family member. Just knowing that you were thinking of them will stir the heart of the person but the fact that you performed a labor of love will remain with him or her for at least as long as they have your gift.

Be a listener. This is a skill that few tend to practice. By listening you are indicating an interest and appreciation for what somebody is saying. You are silently saying the importance of what they are saying is more important than any other way you could be spending your time. This is invaluable.

Hand-written letter or note. Ah, this is truly a lost art in this computerized age. However, the art of hand-writing correspondence is a treasure. The receiver is well aware that the effort took a fair amount of time for completion, you want him or her to have your written piece to refer to when they need encouragement or a boost to the self-confidence. It's one of the best ways to indicated the importance of your relationship and the degree to which it is valued.

Lastly, when you share an act of appreciation, you are reminding others to do likewise. If nothing else, you feel good about yourself, as well you should. Keep being thoughtful. You do make a difference!

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