Appreciation has been coming up as a theme in my sessions with families. Each family member wants to be seen and validated. Who doesn’t? In busy family life, it’s easy to get caught up in all that needs to get done and forget to show our appreciation.
Parents do a lot, and they do it with love. They still want to hear, “thank you.” Teens are torn between wanting to be seen as independed and capable, and being tended to as a child. One very poignantly stated that she misses being wrapped in her mommas care like when she was little. Growing pains.
Where in your life could you show a little more appreciation? Who could you surprise with a moment of thoughtfulness? Where, perhaps, do you feel under appreciated and how can you tend to yourself in that moment?