Appreciation is not for the appreciated.
Acknowledgment, however, is for the acknowledged.
Often the two are confused.
The purpose behind each one is also often lost.
When we appreciate others we feel better.
Of course, because we feel better and we appreciate them, they feel better as well.
Yet we often don’t realize that our appreciation of others is its own reward.
We not only feel good, it also allows us to feel appreciated too.
When we know what the feeling of appreciation is like, we can allow it in as well.
The feeling of appreciation is a feeling of connection.
It reminds us that there are other people who feel good to us.
In turn, we feel good to them.
Acknowledgment means we recognize them for the appreciation we feel.
The act of Acknowledgment helps remind them that they are connected to us.
That we see them.
That we feel them in a way that lifts us all up.
Appreciation lifts our own spirit.
Acknowledgment lifts up everyone’s spirit.
Together, they allow us to form community and to heal.
To know we are accepted and to feel we are seen.
The more we appreciate, the more we can acknowledge.
So who can we appreciate and acknowledge more in our lives?
~ Sam Liebowitz, The Conscious Consultant
