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Inspiration

Appreciating However, just like with money, small bits add up. And, according to an April 3,
2015 Psychology Today article by Amy Morin, appreciating what you already
what is have enhances relationships, improves physical and psychological health,
enhances empathy and reduces aggression, leads to better sleep, and improves
self-esteem and mental strength. That's quite a list.

n addition to continuing to be Continually trying to satisfy a desire for more doesn't work. No matter how
productive during the COVID- much you acquire, the itch for more rears up again and again. Appreciating
19 pandemic, we've learned what you have fills you like a much needed drink of water after you've been
I to maintain bonds with loved gardening in the hot sun.
ones and sustain rapport with col-
leagues and clients while adhering to So, take a minute to look around. What's one thing you see that pleases you?
varying degrees of social distancing. If you're outside in an urban environment, it could be the way shadows dance
Given the challenges we face, life across a shop window, or perhaps the way a mother and son hold hands to
today is disconcerting or even dis- cross a street. If your view is more pastoral, maybe a bee buzzing from salvia to
tressing at times. fuchsia is a reminder of nature's unfolding. Inside, what's your favorite object
in the room? Is it a photo of loved ones or perhaps an original painting?
There is, however, a simple tool to
help maintain equilibrium and foster There's no end to the things you can appreciate from your present and past,
happiness during trying times: active including people, events, sights, sounds, emotions and achievements. Just
appreciation of what's good—from noticing the feel of your body as you walk
the smallest to the largest things, around the block can be enlivening. Now
present and past. That's a lot of is the time to appreciate what you have as
fruitful territory to plumb. we all work together toward an even better
future.
It's easy to overlook the small delights Kate Gillespie, President and CEO
life offers. Say, for example, you
purchased a new laptop last year
that was everything you wanted in
a laptop: its lines were elegant, the
weight perfect, dimensions spot on, USAEPAY.COM
screen clarity sharp, and speed the REIMAGINE THE ART OF 866-570-2051
best you've ever experienced. When
you brought it home and began to TRANSACTION
use it, you noticed how much better RETAIL E-COMMERCE MOBILEOBILE
M
it functioned than your old computer,
which you promptly gave away. Now,
however, you boot up your laptop in
the morning and get right to work
without giving it any thought. You
might even be thinking about an
upgrade.

Now, there's nothing wrong with
upgrading your equipment. The
thing is, though, it's surprisingly
empowering to appreciate what
you have in your hands right now.
You don't have to do anything
elaborate. If you, say, have a rose
gold-colored computer, pause to
enjoy that rich color before you dive
into your day's first task. Just a brief
acknowledgement of something that
gives you pleasure is all that's needed.

Benefits you can count on
Appreciating life's daily pleasures
seems like a small thing. And it is.
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