The incomparable PG Wodehouse, dedicated one of his books thus “To my daughter, without whose never-failing sympathy and encouragement this book would have been finished in half the time.” Was this appreciation or affection in another form ? Another British legend, Cricketer Tony Greig, in one of his after dinner speeches, said to his wife of 40 years “Honey would you have in your wildest dreams ever thought I would be so successful ?” To which his wife replied with a dead-pan look “But you never appeared in my wildest dreams!” Underneath the banter, there was endearing love but that was long ago.In a cynical, disparaging world, are we losing out on afterglow of appreciation ?!
Life, after all, is so much about expressing praise for others, for nature and to feel good for what God’s gifted us. So let’s begin with enjoying the little things in life. These may be a fun time with old friends & family, it may be the joy of learning something new, it may be listening to the gurgle of your grandchild or it may be the warm feeling you get when you’ve done a good act for a colleague, friend, stranger, it may be singing an old song or enjoying a sunset from your rooftop or watch nature bloom in your back garden. Yet, we’d rather carry that tedious burden over the passage of days, weeks, years and decades in quest of success and glory .
The great thinker, Voltaire had said “Appreciation is a wonderful thing. It makes what is excellent in others belong to us as well.” What makes better human beings is learning to appreciate others’ ideas, sincerity, contribution, good deeds etc. Once, I was told by a person I happened to help out in course of my work “You changed the course of my life“. I felt elated and humbled. In the work-place, appreciation is generally guarded “Good effort but there’s scope for doing better” which means that we’ve given your due let’s get on with it. Too early to celebrate ?
The two strong pillars in the great construction called ‘Marriage’ are understanding and appreciation. Often, things are left unsaid or taken as granted. Yes, it is the gesture that matters but texture and text also do ! Life has become busier & more fast paced but try to appreciate the people in your life all year around rather than on special occasions only. Family, co-workers, friends & loved ones are always there to help celebrate our achievements with us and rally around to pick us up when we’re down. By appreciating them the way they deserve, we can reciprocate the care and appreciation they have already given to us.
As one lady-wit had said “If you have a secret, share it with your husband. He is never listening” Bitter truth which reflects the immense faith wives have in their husbands but one senses genuinely fond appreciation even if it’s back-handed !
Working on Living 