“There is more hunger for love and appreciation in this world than for bread.” – Mother Teresa
As the month of May rolled in, I found myself reflecting on the swift passage of time. A third of the year had flown by, and I began to question myself: What have I accomplished? Have I done enough? That creeping feeling of inadequacy was echoed by those around me, as if we’re all caught in a cycle of never quite measuring up—never doing, being, or having enough.
Then, a simple but powerful quote by Sydney Smith brought me back to center:
“It is the greatest of all mistakes to do nothing because you can only do a little. Do what you can.”
And later, a beautiful affirmation from author Cheryl Richardson nudged my heart even further:
“I appreciate every single thing I do to make life better.”
These reminders helped me realize something important—I wasn’t lacking achievement, I was lacking appreciation. I had been so focused on what hadn’t happened yet that I forgot to honor the effort it took just to keep going. So many of us are doing our best, moment by moment, to improve our lives, yet those efforts often go unseen—even by ourselves.
As I sat with this, I thought back to Mother’s Day when I had been too sick to make a grand breakfast for my mom. All I could manage was a tray of cereal in bed. I remember feeling inadequate, but she smiled, and that small gesture was appreciated. The following year, I was well enough to cook something more elaborate—Cranberry French Toast—but my mom didn’t like it. She said the bread was soggy. My heart sank. I had wanted so badly for her to feel loved and appreciated, but in that moment, I felt unseen.
That experience taught me something profound: appreciation matters deeply. It’s not about grand gestures—it’s about recognizing the effort behind them. Whether it’s cereal or French toast, what matters most is the love we pour into it.
So how do we begin to cultivate more appreciation—for ourselves and for others?
🍪 Action Nibbles: Ways to Show Appreciation
Appreciating Yourself
🌼 Interrupt Your Inner Critic.
Catch yourself when you’re being harsh. Replace criticism with compassion and remind yourself of your efforts.
📓 Keep a List of Your Wins.
No matter how small. Write them down and review them often. They are evidence of your growth.
💌 Mail Yourself a Love Letter.
Yes, snail mail. Celebrate your qualities and accomplishments like you would for a friend.
📝 Make a List of Positive Attributes.
Pick a few life areas—career, health, relationships—and write down something good about yourself in each one.
🎁 Reward Yourself.
Before starting a new task, plan a small reward for when it’s done. Flowers, music, a long bath—anything that says, “Good job, I’m proud of you.”
Appreciating Others
🙏 Say “Thank You.”
It might seem simple, but it carries so much weight—especially when paired with a specific reason.
✍️ Send a Note of Thanks.
A heartfelt message can brighten someone’s entire week. Let them know what their kindness meant to you.
🍽️ Thank People for the Everyday Stuff.
Cooking, cleaning, driving—these often go unrecognized. Don’t let them.
🎁 Give a Small Gift.
Whether it’s a flower, a book, or a handwritten note, little tokens go a long way.
💬 Tell Someone What You Love About Them.
Celebrate their qualities out loud. For my mom’s 70th birthday, I had each guest share something they loved about her. Her smile said it all.
🎉 Plan Something Special.
Surprises don’t have to be extravagant—they just have to be heartfelt. I’ll never forget the year my sister decorated my room with balloons and left me a giant cookie and a collage of our memories. I felt seen. Loved. Cherished.
Appreciation is nourishment for the soul. It reminds us that what we do matters—that we matter. Whether you’re acknowledging your own quiet resilience or someone else’s silent sacrifices, take the time to say: “I see you. I’m grateful for you.”
Because sometimes, that’s all it takes to turn an ordinary moment into a cherished memory.
Clarity Cookies 
Leave a comment