I APPRECIATE YOU!

By Cortney Holles

​It’s the season for giving thanks and gathering with folks… and simultaneously, it is the season for ramped up consumption and obligations, which always creates such discord in my experience of this time of year.  I want to take some time to enjoy the literal and metaphorical harvest, to cook soups and bake cookies and eat them while pleasure-reading or chatting with loved ones.  There’s also that pull of hurriedness–deadlines to meet, social events, extra tasks to do–that can accompany the holiday season. 

My holiday season wish for us all is to elevate beyond statements of thanks or gratitude that we hold privately or notice passively.  How can we live our gratitude in the form of appreciation?  One definition of appreciation involves both “recognition and enjoyment of the good qualities of someone or something.” Appreciation requires action and communicates a sense of joy that is meaningful and memorable, often creating ripples of additional acts of care. 

Appreciation becomes a powerful tool for strengthening interpersonal relationships and fostering personal growth. Unlike internalized gratitude, appreciation requires intentional action: a thoughtful word, a kind gesture, or a meaningful acknowledgment of someone's efforts. This active form of gratitude does more than acknowledge the positive; it validates the other person’s value and contributions, reinforcing feelings of being seen and understood. In relationships, whether personal or professional, regular acts of appreciation create a foundation of trust and mutual respect, which can deepen bonds and nurture collaboration.

For individuals, practicing appreciation also nurtures a sense of self-worth and emotional resilience. Many of us could stand to appreciate our own bodies, minds, and efforts more frequently, as we can be our own worst critics and caretakers. We can begin the cycle of goodwill in our own spaces and routines that inspires and empowers others in our spheres.
 
In a broader sense, appreciation fosters an environment where people feel motivated to contribute their best selves. It encourages open communication, emotional openness, and a culture of kindness, where individuals are more likely to offer support and feedback. These are precisely the dynamics I want to foster in my classrooms and amongst my colleagues on campus.

How are you showing appreciation to yourself or to others this season?