Appreciation and Fulfillment

"A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it." - George Moore

We often look outside ourselves to satisfy our appetite, our craving for more, or for something different. We look for easy solutions, for instant fixes coming from external sources. We do this instead of developing our ability to live happily in the present moment. Appreciation comes from the inside, because no matter how small or big something is, we need to be grateful for it before we can enjoy it. This is a quality we can develop in our daily lives.

By looking with fresh eyes at ordinary things like a bunch of flowers, a rainbow in a puddle or the intricacy of a spider web, we practice enjoying these... We practice saying "thank you" while rewarding ourselves right here with instant bliss. We practice feeling good, even when adversity strikes. It is even more important to be grateful during times of turmoil, as it will help us get over hurdles more quickly and with a minimum of pain. A person who is appreciative can be faced with all sort of obstacles and shortages, but still have a contented heart.

Appreciation brings fulfillment. This is because the more we appreciate everything in our lives, the more fulfillment we'll have. When we're grateful for something, life will give us more of it. Life is a never-ending source of positive, healing energy that's there for all of us, not only a few chosen ones. When we feel blessed, we attract more blessings.

Every morning say to yourself: "Something good is going to happen to me today". Be open to the possibility that you may actually be lucky for a change! Why not? Is it because you think you're not worth it? It might be time to change your attitude then. Life responds to whatever you think and say. Say good things about yourself, about others, and about the world in general. Love life, and life will love you!

"We tend to forget that happiness doesn't come as a result of getting something we don't have, but rather of recognizing and appreciating what we do have." - Frederick Koenig

Painting: "Bouquet of Gladiolus on Diving Board" by Jean de Paul