The Power of Appreciation: Putting Gratitude into Practice
November 2025
Hello Community—As we move into Thanksgiving week, the word gratitude is everywhere. I’m sure you’ve gotten several newsletters already this month talking about it, which is great. Gratitude is powerful. It supports our mental health, boosts resilience, and helps us stay connected to what matters.
Lately though, I’ve been thinking about something we don’t talk about as often: Appreciation. Specifically, how appreciation is different from gratitude… and why it matters just as much, if not more.
The Power of Appreciation:
Putting Gratitude into Practice
Gratitude is a feeling. Appreciation is the expression of that feeling. Appreciation is gratitude in action.
Appreciation is often reserved for the moments when life feels light or easy. However, some of the most meaningful moments of appreciation happen in the middle of the mess, when things are complicated, heavy, or uncertain.
One thing I never want to promote is bypassing the messy and uncomfortable parts of being human. Appreciation isn’t about forcing positivity or pretending everything is fine.
It is a “Both/And” practice:
I can feel uncomfortable receiving feedback and appreciate the opportunity to grow.
I can be navigating grief or transition and appreciate the people grounding me.
A manager can acknowledge their team is overwhelmed and appreciate their commitment and effort.
I can be frustrated that a project is taking longer than I hoped and appreciate the clarity that is slowly emerging.
Appreciation does not replace the hard feelings. It sits beside them. It gives us perspective, honesty, and sometimes even a little softness.
When we approach appreciation this way, something important also becomes clear: It feels good to be appreciated.
For who we are. For what we contribute. For how we try, especially when we are tired, unsure, or afraid.
Appreciation is one of the most human needs we have because it helps us feel seen.
In my work with leaders, teams, creatives, and students, I’ve noticed something consistent: When appreciation is present, people feel safer, more motivated, and more willing to collaborate. When it is missing, even the most talented teams struggle.
Appreciation strengthens connection and builds trust. It tells people, “I notice you. I value you. You matter.”
And honestly, don’t we all need a little more of that?
Whether you lead a team, a community, a classroom, a project, or simply yourself, appreciation is an essential part of emotional intelligence.
It helps us:
Reinforce effort, not just outcomes
Reduce stress and burnout
Build a culture of “we” instead of “me”
Encourage honest communication
Create psychological safety
Appreciation costs nothing; yet, its impact is huge.
Here are a few ways you can bring appreciation into your relationships and your daily life not only toward others, but toward yourself as well. (Which can be harder, though just as important.)
For Others:
Be specific and name what you see.
Reflect the impact their actions had.
Acknowledge effort, not just achievements.
Share it in real time, not just during holidays or reviews.
Make it sincere rather than performative.
A simple “I really appreciated how you stepped in today. It made a big difference” can shift an entire interaction, a meeting, or a relationship.
For Yourself - Appreciate:
The ways you’ve shown up, even on low-energy days
The boundaries you’ve set or tried to set
The progress you’re making that others don’t see
The courage it takes to keep growing and healing
The creativity, joy, and curiosity you bring into the world
Self-appreciation is not self-indulgent. It is self-supporting.
As we move into a season centered around thankfulness,
here are a few questions to sit with:
*Where can you turn gratitude into appreciation?
*Who in your world needs to hear that you appreciate them?
*What is one thing you can appreciate about yourself right now, even if it is imperfect or still in progress?
I appreciate you for being part of this community, sharing your reflections, forwarding these newsletters, and continuing to grow alongside me. 💜
Wishing you a wonderful Thanksgiving and a nourishing start to the holiday season!
P.S. If you or your team are ready to strengthen connection, communicate with more clarity, and build a culture where people feel genuinely appreciated, I’d love to support that work. Through coaching, leadership development, and team facilitation, I help individuals and organizations create sustainable success rooted in awareness, trust, and emotionally intelligent action.