Appreciation is something that I enjoy giving to those around me.  I find that when appreciation is given it makes me feel like I have given a gift.  The most amazing part of this gift is that it is free.  It is something that all of us can give if we choose.  It is something that can make someone feel very special and appreciated, yet sometimes we decide to withhold that appreciation.  Why?    When it comes to those closest to us, our family, appreciation is easy to give and easy to withhold.  We know what our family members are proud…

Listening is a skill that can be finely tuned throughout your lifetime.  Often it takes great patience to be a good listener.  Most of the time people who are good listeners have intentionally worked at improving that skill.  Listening is something most of us do regularly.  We listen to others regarding things they are excited about, things they are worried about, things that make them happy, sad, mad, etc.  We know that we do a great deal of listening, but do we hear what the other person is really saying?  Are we genuinely listening?  It is not easy to be…

Patience is something that has been very valuable to me.  Having patience has saved me in so many avenues of my life; home, school, work, sports, friends, kids, etc.  Being able to tolerate change, disruptions, and disagreements without becoming angry is a true blessing.  Having patience for those we love is so important yet so difficult.  One would think those we love would be the easiest for us to show patience toward.  However, for most of us, we know that we have their unconditional love.  Unfortunately, it is my family who is most likely to see me lose my patience…

I pray that moments, where I am not so proud of myself, diminish as the years go by, but in reality, I am continually striving to do the right thing.  Continually working on making the right decision.  Those are just the moments that I am aware of, I am sure there are many more moments where others think I have done or am doing the wrong thing.  Sometimes those moments where I am not so proud of my decision I have an opportunity to make it right, or at least acknowledge that an error was made and apologize.   Other times…