Episode #24 Express Your Appreciation
Often our kindest thoughts remain unspoken and our most encouraging words never come out of our mouths. This week, Dr. Michael Brown and Russell Catania spend time discussing the important and life-giving habit of vocalizing our gratitude.
Show Notes
I have never met a human being who, when I ask them what is their biggest struggle in life, they share with me, 'You know, I am just affirmed and appreciated far too often.'Dr. Michael Brown
Three Problems
- Appreciation is not implied by a smile alone.
- A simple ‘thank you’ is thoughtful but not transformative.
- Our tendency is to be greedy with our appreciation.
Three Principles
- The two essential ingredients of expressing appreciation are awareness and action.
- We long to be appreciated not only for what we do but also for who we are.
- An expression of appreciation lasting less than one minute may be remembered for the rest of someone’s life.
Three Practices
- Reflect on this question: “Am I truly an appreciative person?”
- At the end of each day when you have not expressed your appreciation to another human being, identify whether this is the result of underlying insecurity or entitlement.
- Commit to the ’24 Hour Rule,’ in which every time you have a positive thought about someone, you share it with them verbally within 24 hours.
In This Episode
Related Dimensions
Related Episodes
Say It Now
What would you tell that person today if you knew that there was no tomorrow? This week, Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Tyler Schwanz explore every angle of Michael’s famous 24 Hour Rule.
Cheer For Others
At one time or another, all of us struggle to believe that we have what it takes. This week, Dr. Michael Brown and Dr. Tyler Schwanz reflect on moments when they have felt most encouraged and consider the individuals who have made the greatest impact on their journeys.
Celebrate Others Often
This Memorial Day, we are reminded that we don’t need to wait for a national holiday to highlight the peace, protection, and purpose that others bring to our lives. This week, Dr. Michael Brown and clinical counselor Steve Rieske diagnose our tendency to celebrate others only occasionally and offer their insights for creating a lifestyle of affirmation and encouragement.
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SR