As kids, we'd be on pins and needles of anticipation all day. Mom originally came up with the idea of Appreciation Day, and it quickly became a family tradition we all loved. On a random day, we'd choose someone in the family and make our preparations. Dad ended up with the most Appreciation days, all said. Mom would make dinner and we'd slip a few wrapped trinkets and homemade cards next to his plate, cheering when he walked through the door.
The concept is simple enough. Taking an ordinary day and using it to celebrate someone you love, reminding them of your appreciation for them and all that they are and do. Our appreciation gifts were often homemade or thrifted items - a tie found down at the local thrift store, a favorite candy bar from the corner store, or a little stitched sachet or whittled gift. Nothing expensive or over the top.
I'd all but forgotten those days when my brother brought it up to me a few weeks ago, suggesting that we bring appreciation days back. So we hatched a plan to do just that, and what better day or time than at Sunday dinner, when the whole family is gathered together? In the dead of winter, it could breathe new life into our days.
Introducing a new generation to Appreciation days, handing on the tradition of loving one another the very best we can, reminds me of the importance of celebrating each day as a gift. Looking at the people who we live and work alongside every day and telling them "I see you. I see what you do, who you are. I see your heart. And I'm so blessed to have you in my life."
So I bake a chocolate cake and Jonah carefully shakes on the sprinkles. We gather small things - a gift card for coffee, a magazine, a favorite candy bar, a box of tea. Wrapped and set by his plate at family dinner. Dad says a prayer of appreciation and when I look up and see these people, this humble family, standing here in gratitude, my heart catches.
This is the way to truly experience life as it was meant to be lived - with gratitude for every little thing, love for every soul, and joy in the living. Raising up another generation to see the blessings everywhere, in everyone, I can see that yes, this is the path to happiness.
{It's Mindful Mothering Mondays, a day to take a deep breath and write out your mothering journey, whatever form it takes. A day to link up for encouragement from others who are in this same phase of life. A day of writing out the trials and triumphs and what you're learning right where you are, right now.
You might post recent struggles or thoughts. Maybe just a picture or a quote. Or maybe you'll just come here and read the links that others post. Whatever form your participation takes, this is a day for you.
We are all in this, together. Together, we can encourage and build one another up, be honest with our shortcomings and strengthened by community to keep fighting the good fight.
I chose Mondays because what Mama doesn't need a little encouragement on a Monday? As such, I'll have the link up ready to go on Sunday night for you to begin submitting your links.
I hope you'll meet with me each Monday! Here's what to do ~
Link up your post below. Remember to put the link to the exact post you want to link, and not just your blog url. Include in your post a link back here so others who want to join in can find us! And visit some other Mamas who have linked up.
Post the community graphic within your post, so people who are reading your Mindful Mothering post can come back here and find the rest of us!
Invite the writers of your favorite blogs to join in!
Share this meme with others on facebook and twitter. This community is for all moms, and the more that participate, the more we will be able to enjoy!!}
Grab the graphic here:
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I love appreciation days! Do you remember that we called them Unbirthdays? Sam had the most, because he was always having casts taken off or some such malarkey that required being the one we all celebrated.
ReplyDeleteWhat an absolutely wonderful idea. Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteLove your idea of appreciation days!
ReplyDelete