Are You Appreciative?

July 8, 2011

Written By:
Ryan Vet

As many of you have probably noticed today is Chick-fil-A’s Cow Appreciation Day. In case you haven’t heard the buzz, Chick-fil-A is runs an annual promotion where their customers can receive a free meal by simply dressing up like a cow. It is a bit ridiculous but herds of people do it each year. I must admit, I’m a sucker for everything free and went with several co-workers today to claim our complimentary entrees.

Obviously the point of this day isn’t truly to appreciate cows themselves–it is merely an ingenious marketing plan. Recently though, I’ve been contemplating this whole idea of appreciation and it all started with me walking out of a restaurant. An older lady was walking in as I was walking out. I simply held the door open for her. It was not out of my way to do so, in fact, it was right on my way, yet her facial expression looked pleasantly stunned. She smiled and thanked me as she walked in.

That small incident of overwhelming gratitude from this woman made me start to think more in depth to the meaning behind this idea of true appreciation. I pondered the idea of appreciation for a while and through a long series of complex thoughts over the course of a couple days I boiled down the whole concept into this simple question: What small things can I do day in and day out to show my friends, family and even strangers that they are appreciated?

Think about your best friend for a minute–that person that knows everything about you so much so that they can finish your sentences. When was the last time you sent him or her a quick message letting them know how much you appreciate them? When was the last time you wrote a quick note to an old teacher or professor or youth pastor letting them know what a profound impact they had in your life? When was the last time you took the time to have a conversation with the barista making your coffee and sincerely told them thank you? When was the last time you sent a card to your parents or a family member outside of a Hallmark Holiday letting them know you love them and are thankful for them? When was the last time you stuck an anonymous note on a coworkers desk saying, “I appreciate all you do!”?

See, these are the questions that have been running through my head the last several days. I have been blessed with so much and surrounded by so many incredible people, but rarely, if ever do I take the time to just tell them, “You’re appreciated.”

So here is my challenge to you. Everyday this coming week challenge yourself to appreciate at least one person in some way or another. Maybe this means leaving an exceptionally large tip for a waiter or waitress who did an outstanding job or maybe it is a handwritten note sent in the mail to a friend or relative you love but haven’t told just how much you appreciate them. Maybe you scour Facebook for an old friend from high school and send them a message letting them know that played a bigger role in your life than they could ever imagine.

I really hope you take up this challenge. I am posting this today so you have the weekend to plan of ways you can show your true appreciation. Please comment on this post. I’d love to hear what you plan to do to appreciate someone in your life.

 

Ryan Vet

Thanks for stopping by my blog! A bit about me, I’m an entreprenuer, author
and speaker. This gives me the opportunity to travel the globe. Plus, I get to host a TV series called Sip’d and I’m a Sommelier and wine enthusiast.

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