The art starts in your heart not your head. Appreciation begins with what your heart tells you about yourself. 

   Behold the chain of affirmation in the stained glass – from the star to Joseph to Mary to baby Jesus who, in turn, affirms & appreciates each of us. 

   We wish we were strong enough to be our best self whether people affirm us or not. Yet, even the most confident of us are influenced by criticism. Thus, appreciation matters.

   If you grew up with parents that encouraged you then the journey toward self love & its natural expression, love of others, will be natural. If your family qualified every line of praise with that deflating word "but" then your journey to expressing appreciation may take more work.

   That voyage is worth your persistence. Your most powerful positive tool is not blame but praise; not indifference but appreciation; not constant complaining but sincere affirmation.

    No piano teacher awakens the best by cracking her student's knuckles with a ruler. No coach builds a great team by constantly pointing out mistakes.  No leader plants a successful culture by repeatedly telling employees, "You're screwing up."

    Once your heart is awakened to its own good & the good in others, its love can retrain your mind. Remember that meaningful compliments have two characteristics: sincerity & specificity.

   Practice the art today. Find something specific you honestly believe about a staff member. It can be something as simple as Judy's smile. Tell Judy, "Your smile must brighten the days of so many. You've already brightened mine."

   Watch how the paint brush of your appreciation colors Judy's face, how it gladdens her energy. Continue practicing this art in genuine ways & behold the masterpieces you create. 

-Erie Chapman