In quotation parlance, there is a phrase that says, "the gift that keeps on giving." I tried to search its origin and came up with things like the phonograph device where a recorded voice or music could keep playing over and over again, to venereal diseases, to the gift of a life saving blood donation, to just some bad situation in life that festers and goes on and on and won't go away like an incurable disease.
But thinking about the phrase itself
THE GIFT THAT KEEPS ON GIVING
I think I figured out my own personal favorite version of it, and that is APPRECIATION. I see appreciation for people all the time and it literally "lights them up." Simple thank yous, gift baskets, compliments for something they did or how they are dressed or groomed, a surprise in the mail, a hand written little love note or email that is unexpected, a little ah-ha moment you give someone else that just turns them cheery.
The reason appreciation keeps on giving is because it builds long term good memories. Do you know emotionally rich good memories "stick" with us?
Yes indeed, all those little kindnesses you do for others they remember. You remember all the love and affection showered on you, don't you?
Never underestimate the power of appreciation you have and its influence on others. Pepper people with thank yous every day until they think you are weird!! Catch them doing something good and compliment them.
In the end it also has a reverse effect. It will make YOU feel good. And who couldn't use a little more feeling good nowadays? Good luck with your practice of appreciation. And my next basket of cookies you give me I'll take a mixture of them. I like them ALL!! : )
Gary--Taking the time to thank someone...especially when it is least expected is a wonderful gift to give someone. I'll take one of those cookies...They look yummy!
Gary: Appreciation only begets more things to be appreciative for. It is the magic bullet of success.
Great reminder!
THANK YOU!
BTW, you are now at the top of our Optimist Group!
Appreciation/Gratitude is THAT important!
Gary ~ You are absolutely right - I always remember the little kindnesses shown to me, and I try to show some myself! It's those little things that mean a lot!
You know I've been dubbed the 'GBU Queen of AR'...but that is my way of giving the gift that keeps on giving. To date...I've given over 4500 little gifts of GBU! So...GBU, Gary!! :-)
Hi Gary! You are truly the motivational blogger, aren't you?! Your posts are always introspective and so positive and true. I do compliment and thank others often and you're so right--it does make you feel good to make others feel appreciated.
GARY A little appreciation goes a long way. I appreciate your uplifting posts. Keep them coming.
Hi Gary, As an 18 month member of ActiveRain that has received so much to be grateful for, I have always tried to remember that these special gifts from our many friends need to be continuously re-given to others to fully appreciate them. A gift received and re-given make it the "Gift that Keeps on Giving".
Teri: Thanks to YOU for commenting. I love your comments (and cookies too).
Mirela: Appreciation does circle around with appreciation. Thanks for the Group placement Mirela.
Hi Kathy: I'm glad you are a practicer of the little things. Of course I knew you were a great person all along anyway.
Elizabeth: GBU too. You have sprinkled them everywhere, and the world needs more GBU's.
Debe: I get into this meditation zone and these things just pop out : ) I thought you would be a master complimenter.
Trunda: I like appreciating others in many ways and definitely like it coming the other way too. Thanks Trunda. Spread the love : )
William: It is amazing how that circle of appreciation works. I am so glad you discovered it.
Gary-I really like this blog. Sometimes just a card or a kind word will make someone else feel good and yourself in return. I love the way you phrased it too. Thanks for sharing and reminding us on the importance of appreciating someone. You get the thumbs up on this one.
hi Gary,
Surely you're one of the most wise and loving people here on AR....and you seem to understand so much about the nature of life, love, people and the universe. This post really struck a chord with me and felt like a big warm coat on a cold day.....thank you!
Jo
Gary...Love is the gift that keeps on giving. Along with a word of thanks!
Gary, you do know you are one of the most loved and appreciated men here at AR don't you? Well you are! (Thank you for all you do for me!)
This works especially well with children! Thank you for your wonderful encouragement!
I think one of my biggest pet peeves are people who are not appreciative. It is so important to appreciate what others do for us.
Laura: Great thumbs up. See now "I" feel appreciated. You have this down Laura.
Hi Pat: Thanks for your comment and the cookies. I ran a race in Waco but others that I was joining up with couldn't attend so no pictures although they usually send me some in the mail from the professional photographer on the course (for a fee). I lost count of your thank yous, but thank you Pat. The giving back and forth among us does give a warm feeling. Don't feel bad on weird. I used to think yours truly had that market sewn up to himself.
Hi Jo: That's me, a warm coat on a chilly day. You are one of MY mentors if life you know. Always giving me great insight.
William: Love and giving thanks. With those two we can't go wrong.
Hello Sherry: Thanks for your kind words as always and I try here.
Howdy Pam: I always love your Mom perspective. So true.
Patricia: Many who don't practice appreciation could do well to start.
GAry,
Very true my friend. I try to always say thank you to people and give honor to whom honor is due. The pat on the back, or recognition during a meeting I find goes a long way.
One of my clients from a recent closing sent me the basket of cookies and unfortunately they were great...too much fat!
Thanks Gary. The first step is to write thank you notes. The art of thank you notes has disappeared from our society. Everyone loves getting a hand written notes yet few send them!
Gary - I agree. I think people need to show their appreciation for others more. It helps you to stop thinking about yourself...:)
Are you like the perfect man or what? Anyone walking into your path is going to have a great day! How could they not???
Gary, being kind and appreciative is so easy, yet so often overlooked. I really try to be both here in the office w/both my assistant and the clerical staff. It sure helps on the days that I'm strained and grumpy. They are sooooo forgiving to me because they know I truly do appreciate them.
Gary, great reminder that a simple thing can go so far.. People remember the small things that mean so much. Have a great day
Gary, Huge thank yous to YOU for all the inspiration you spread around the rain! Goodness knows we can't get too much of a good thing and I NEVER leave a post of yours that doesn't make me feel better for having read it--Thank you!
Gary- I sent you cookies last week- did you get them yet? Call me if you didn't!