You Are Valuable! Acknowledge Yourself

I once practiced the following exercise for one full day. At the end of it, I was touched by the many people who acknowledged me and by the love I felt for myself. I was able to take in their respect, affection and sincere appreciation. Join me in trying it out.

For one day, become aware of the ways people acknowledge you, no matter how simple these acknowledgements are. (If no one happens to acknowledge you, which I doubt will be the case, ask a trusted friend to describe your best qualities. Take it all in, without pushing away any of what she says.)


At the end of the day, note the details in your journal and answer these questions: First, who was involved and how were you acknowledged? Write about the good feelings that arose.


Next, whom did you acknowledge throughout the day? Do some compliments seem too trivial to extend? They’re really not. Just like you, everyone appreciates a sincere acknowledgment. But we may hesitate to offer praise if we don’t know how to receive it. The circuit is completed by both giving and receiving.