Category Archives: Acknowledgement

Watch the children in your life and let them teach you

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Watch the children in your life and let them teach you how to regain the playful innocence and joy of your youth

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by eleonora

Children have a way of chasing bubbles as if they’re priceless treasures, and turning cardboard boxes into rocket ships — never once worrying about their to do list or inbox.

When your little ones requests that you “come play” it’s really an invitation to remember the part of you that still believes in wonder.

Let them lead today. Put your phone down, say YES to the silly game, draw with crayons, or dance in the kitchen for no good reason at all. As you delight in their laughter, you may discover your own never really disappeared — it was just waiting to be invited back out.

EXERCISE:

Today and throughout this holiday season make a point of letting your little ones lead you in many more playful activities.

Feel free to reply to this post regarding the ways you rediscovered more of your childhood innocence.

It takes a big person to acknowledge and apologize

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It takes a big person to acknowledge and apologize for their mistakes. Hiding them doesn’t serve anyone.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Sarah Kilian

No one likes to make mistakes. This is especially true when our errors are observed and most notably negatively impact the lives of others.

How often have you tried to hide your missteps and dodge responsibility for your part in things going wrong?

In these days, where nothing ever seems to remain a secret for long, covering things up always ends poorly.

Beyond the potential public embarrassment that might await us, there is always the personal cost we all pay for the guilt and shame we often experience when we come up short of our espoused values and intentions.

EXERCISE:

Where in your world are you trying to hide a mistake from others?

How can and will you be a bigger person by acknowledging and apologizing for your errors, and enhance the quality of your relationships with others in your personal and professional communities?

Acknowledge the people you meet throughout your days

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Acknowledge the people you meet throughout your days. These small acts of kindness are sparks of connection we all deserve and need.

—Calm App Reflection

Image from Unsplash by Brett Wharton

On my daily walk around my development each morning I have a ritual I enjoy.

As a member of our community of 280 households, I like to acknowledge the other walkers and drivers passing by with a hello or a wave.

This small gesture often brings many a smile and waves back. Allen, a member of our group, carries dog biscuits for our canine friends who always seem happy to see us.

EXERCISE:

How often do you acknowledge the people you meet throughout your days?

How often do you receive such greetings from others?

How might an extra helping of these daily gestures lift everyone’s spirits just a little bit higher?

“Generosity is not a loan to repay or a debt to settle. It’s a gift to appreciate.”

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“Generosity is not a loan to repay or a debt to settle. It’s a gift to appreciate.”

—Adam Grant, American organizational psychologist and bestselling author

Image from Unsplash by Giullia Bertelli

Adam Grant’s book, Give and Take, is one of my favorites. If you have yet to read it, today’s quote could be one of the top nuggets to summarize its wisdom.

Through his extensive research of givers, takers, and matchers, it’s the givers of the world who seem to lead the most richly rewarding lives.

Perhaps the best way to show our appreciation of the generosity of others is simply to acknowledge it.

EXERCISE:

I hope you will take Adam’s advice and give the generous people in your life your sincere appreciation for their many gifts.