Appreciation

I try hard to let people know I appreciate them - for big and little things.  A simple "thank you" for even the smallest things they do for me.  A smile along with that thank you is great!  But thank you is not always enough.  Appreciation runs much deeper than that.  Letting people know they mean something to you, that they are important in your lives or organization, needs to be more sometimes than the simple but wonderful "thank you."  Gestures are important.  Otherwise your thank you can become empty.  Doing more than saying "thank you" however, requires energy and effort, thoughtfulness and sometimes time investment or financial investment.  Isn't this all worth it though, to let those people who make a difference in your live know in a BIG way that they are important and you want them to keep on being there?  On the flip side, missed opportunities to be forthcoming with appreciative acts are a very TELLING sign of lack of appreciation!