Finding Joy Through Appreciation: Susan Denee's Eight Key Aspects
When we stop and we get present and we get mindful in the moment and we fall into a practice of appreciation, it puts us in a loving space.
Ever felt like life’s just not going your way? Susan Denee gets it. In this episode of 'Know Your Crazy', she tackles the difference between gratitude and appreciation, and introduces eight aspects of appreciation that can help you rediscover joy in your life. First up is interpersonal appreciation, which is all about valuing the people around you.
Susan points out how parents often focus on their children's shortcomings rather than their strengths, reminding us that we can never overappreciate our loved ones. Next, she talks about living in the present moment, encouraging us to take a pause and really appreciate what’s going well in our lives right now. Whether it's a loving relationship or a cozy home, there's always something to be thankful for. Susan also emphasizes the importance of making appreciation a daily ritual.
Sometimes, a simple movie can remind us of what truly matters. She then moves on to finding appreciation in loss and adversity, sharing her personal experience of losing her father to COVID-19 and how it deepened her appreciation for the relationships she still has. The fifth aspect is self-social comparison, where Susan advises us to recognize how far we've come and to appreciate our own journey.
She reminds us that there are always others who might be facing even tougher challenges. Awe is the sixth aspect, focusing on the beauty of nature and the world around us. Finally, Susan wraps up with gratitude, urging us to express thanks for everything we have, from meaningful connections to everyday comforts. By adopting these eight aspects of appreciation, Susan believes we can shift our mindset and find more joy in our lives.
Tune in to this enlightening episode and start your journey towards a more appreciative life.