One of the most detrimental aspects of life today is that we do not appreciate one another that much.
We seem to concentrate so much on our own achievements. We have become more self-centered than ever before. The Ubuntu way of life has disappeared.
People do not just set time to appreciate one another’s achievements and accomplishments. They are more focused on themselves.
There is so much negativity around that we have forgotten the core value of co-existence. This however should not be the case.
No man is an island. We were created to co-exist. Created to live side by side to complement each other.
We were created to appreciate and accept each other’s uniqueness. We should, therefore, look out for one another.
Our uniqueness and diversity are our greatest strengths. It is what has made the world to be what it is today.
What brings us together is greater than what divides or separates us. All the man-made developments and creations you see around, are a result of our diversity and ingenuity.
It is a result of our ability to create. This ability to create is endowed in each and every human being.
Black, white, yellow, or whichever skin colour, you have the ability to create. We are all equal before the creator of the universe because we are all created in his likeness.
It doesn’t matter which part of the world you come from, you have a place and space to flourish.
Be Thankful and Gracious
Being thankful is expressing gratitude to one another. It is recognising and appreciating the other person.
It does not hurt to just say thank you when you are served or compliment someone when they have done something worthwhile.
It will not take away any part of your being. You will still remain yourself. In fact, it only helps increase your respectability.
Being thankful also increases the chance of being served even better. After all, we are all looking for better service aren’t we? It encourages the person serving as this simply shows that they are being appreciated.
You will agree with me that it is much easier to serve a grateful person than one who does not show gratitude. You would rather deal with a thankful soul than a grumpy one.
We all come from different backgrounds with different situations. So if we have to live in harmony we need to put our differences aside for the sake of harmony and the betterment of our lives.
Because if the next person’s life is improved chances are that they will try and help improve someone else’s life as well.
Creating a habit of being thankful could actually go a long way in uplifting one another. It improves people’s moods.
You just may never know that you could hold the key to motivating someone and encouraging someone by the words and actions that come out of you.
Be Available When Needed
I know that we are all busy getting our lives on track. I also know that sometimes it is very difficult to attend to other people’s needs.
But life demands that we make ourselves available to other people when the need arises.
Remember that for you to achieve what you have, someone sacrificed their time for you. Your parents or guardians sacrificed their time and resources so you could be where you are right now.
Someone was available for you to learn the ropes. Someone had to put whatever they were doing on hold just so that they could be available for you.
They say one good deed deserves another. If someone showed you kindness, why not take the time to show someone kindness
Besides, we succeed better when the people around us are successful. If you are in a leadership position, your success as a leader will be measured by how successful the people you lead are.
When you are climbing the ladder of success be it financial or personal success, it is not for you alone.
It is meant for you to distribute wealth by way of empowering those around you and those you come into contact with. Remember you are only a medium that God is using to reach many others.
The world would be a much better place if only we could spare a little of our time to help lift someone up.
Look if someone was available for you it shows that they cared. It may have been very little time they shared but at least they showed some love. It is your turn to show some love to someone who is in need of it.
Lend a Helping Hand
There is always someone out there that needs your help. I don’t think there will ever be a time when no one needs help. We all need help most of the time.
Being available is not enough if you cannot be helpful. If you make yourself available make sure you are also making a difference in someone’s life.
Like I always say, helping does not necessarily have to be in monetary terms. There are many ways you can help someone. We all have no excuse not to help.
My former employers who are very prominent lawyers in our country used to help in cleaning the ablution block at their church.
Now, who would think a wealthy lawyer with all the money at his disposal, could clean an ablution block?
If you think you cannot find anyone you can help please join the many charitable organisations in your locality.
The world is in desperate need of people who can find time to help out. Try and always be the first to offer help. Sometimes, people might not have the courage to ask for help.
Be More Sociable
Human beings are usually identified by the social groupings they belong to. Social groupings are an integral part of society. Find one that suits you.
It is from our social interactions that friendships are built and solidified. Most of our business networks stem from our social networks.
The more sociable you are the more dependable and reliable you become. What you want for your life is to be relevant and dependable in a group setting.
Look, what’s the use of having all the success and not being relevant to society? We accumulate wealth so that we can sure.
One of the reasons why we pursue success, apart from having a decent life, is to be relevant and contribute positively to society and humankind.
Keep in Touch
Communication is key in every relationship. One of the ways to show appreciation is by communicating frequently.
In this world of the COVID-19 pandemic, things can change very quickly. Today you see someone, tomorrow they are gone.
It has become very cardinal to check on each other frequently. This is an area of my life that needs a lot of improvement.
With the coming of the new season, I hope to do more than before in this area of my life.
Pray for Each Other
Prayer can move mountains. Those of us who are Christians know that our Christian faith is anchored on prayer.
Believe me prayer yields results. Prayer is very important to a Christian. The Bible encourages us to pray for one another and also to pray as a group.
Make it a point to include one or two people in your daily prayers. They don’t have to know that you are praying for them. Just go out there and appreciate them before God Almighty.
Conclusion
Appreciating one another is key to achieving human harmony and peace amongst ourselves.
You can help change the narrative by showing appreciation and gratitude for the different divergent voices out there.