Aspire Magazine: Inspiration for a Woman's Soul.(TM) Aug/Sept 2016 Aspire Mag Full Issue | Page 55
“I particularly remember one photograph. It
was the most beautiful and delicate crystal that
I had so far seen—formed by being exposed to
the words ‘love and gratitude.’ It was as if the
water had rejoiced and celebrated by creating a
flower in bloom. It was so beautiful that I can
say that it actually changed my life from that
moment on.”
Studies also show that feeling appreciated
is one of our deepest emotional needs.
Gratitude for the positive, supportive words
and actions of another person opens us, in
turn, to feelings of love, vulnerability, and
intimacy. Therefore, we can honor others
by expressing appreciation and gratitude
for their being as part of our language of
love. For example, even though we don’t
expect our partner or friend to bring us
coffee in the morning, make dinner, or clean
up the kitchen, we can be spontaneously
appreciative when we see they have done
such tasks. We might say, “I appreciate that
you think of me when you bring me that
morning cup of coffee.” Or, “You realized how
tired I was after work, and it was thoughtful
of you to make dinner,” Or simply, “Thank
you for cleaning the kitchen.” Expressing
gratitude, especially for the little things that
occur each day, contributes significantly