Moments of Gratitude

It's crazy how, at some point, the only thing someone had to offer me was a "thank you" or an "I appreciate you," which fueled me to keep giving them more, being understanding, showing grace and love. Compared to someone I've encountered before who never really said "thank you," but would give me a gift as a "thank you" or something of monetary value as an "I appreciate you." And that never really filled me or made me feel appreciated on an emotional level. I think the gifts just kept me distracted from what my moral compass really was.

I'm not sure if it's because money never really excited me my whole life, and I just wanted to be appreciated for how I naturally show up and give my authentic self to the people I encounter in life. However, I think this reveals a lot about someone, and even about myself.

The words "thank you" and "I appreciate you" make me feel seen and valued more than someone who never really sees me for who I am internally and just buys me things. 

Just think about it, if someone actually stops and takes the time to say, "Hey, I know you don't have to do what you do, but I appreciate you, and I see you being authentically you." I think that resonates with me so much more and is something I value. It kind of shows they're emotionally intelligent and accepting of whatever it is I have offered in that moment. 

This form of gratitude is something that I'm sure a lot of people were taught as kids, but somehow, as we got older, we strayed away from it. I know for sure I was taught to also show gratitude and be appreciative of anything im given. So maybe me experiencing this as an adult now is somehow healing my inner child or resonating with my inner child, im not fully sure, but I am curious. 

Im thinking as we grow older, some of us are actually craving emotional acknowledgment more than physical rewards, so maybe me hearing genuine appreciation as an adult hits me deeply. I'm not fully sure yet, but I'm glad I'm aware of it now.