`THE POWER OF ACKNOWLEDGMENT
The simple act of acknowledgement can bring a change in all of us
You probably have many people in your life to feel appreciation for: parents, friends, teachers, mentors, but how often do you let them know? How often do you actually acknowledge a person who you appreciate? Not by simply giving a compliment, but actually acknowledging someone for what they have given to you.
A COMPLIMENT OR AN ACKNOWLEDGEMENT?
The difference between a compliment and acknowledgment is that a compliment, while positive, is often nonspecific and can easily contain an evaluation or judgment. Acknowledgment is more about the whole person as a being. It is a powerful way to strengthen relationships and create fulfillment for you and those around you. It is well documented that acknowledging another person has a powerful effect on our ability to flourish.
ACKNOWLEDGING SOMEONE CAN CHANGE THEIR LIFE.
How often do we think of something nice about a stranger or a loved one and NEVER say anything? There are many ways to acknowledge someone. Giving a gift, writing a note or doing something special for someone are a few ways we are used to letting someone know they are important or that you care about them. As humans, we tend to think that we have to do extraordinary acts to feel that we have the right to be loved, acknowledged or enough. What if you were acknowledged
A simple act of acknowledgement can change all of us.
just for who you are and not what you are doing? When my boys were young and acting out, I would start to acknowledge what was right in what they were doing and not focus as much on the acts that were not good. It was miraculous to see them light up and be themselves again. When we acknowledge people, there are two rewards. First, the recipient will feel noticed, seen and appreciated and loved. Second, is how good it makes us feel to acknowledge other people. To appreciate them will bring a smile and joy to their life which is rewarding to us.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS OF ACKNOWLEDGEMENT? 1. Start by acknowledging yourself.
What are you doing right every day? We can always find things we haven’t done but taking inventory of what we are doing right, will shift your attitude to being happy and grateful for yourself.
2. Next, start acknowledging others.
It is not as difficult as you think. Start with a simple eye to eye contact and smile. This can tell another person that you see them. There is always something you can find to light up another. Put on new glasses that will show you what is good and right in others and take the next step of letting them know. A simple act of acknowledgement can change all of us. When the going gets tough, the first thing to usually go away is gratitude and appreciation. Don’t let that happen! Take a small step to making a huge difference in someone’s life and your own.
ACTION ITEMS:
1. Create a grateful board. Write down every morning what you are grateful for. 2. Write a letter or note to someone you care about and tell them what you appreciate about them. 3. Make a daily goal to acknowledge a certain number of people. Remember to include strangers. 4. Acknowledge those things that you are doing right or well at the end of each day. It is the purest form of appreciation and love for yourself and human kind. This one action will change the way you see others and the way others see you.
Terry Sidford has been a certified life coach in the United States for the past 15 years and has assisted scores of people in achieving their dreams. More information is available from Terry’s website.