GRATITUDE UNLOCKS BARRIERS.

Appreciation is to man what sacrifice is to the gods. It is in appreciation that more gets revealed. You can dissolve a fight with it. Appreciation even unlocks barriers. In Robert Heap’s words, “Appreciation may be called ‘human oil’. It lubricates the wheels of all human relationships. No one can do without it. We all need it and should give it to others in return.”

One of the reasons why some fail or retard their growth is because they have not fully acquainted themselves with an important science in living – expressing gratitude. Face it, there’s nothing anyone can do in this Universe that doesn’t involve people; from making purchases, to selling, name it. To get the best from people, you must understand and meet their deep needs – the craving to be appreciated. Everyone hungers for applause, thus it is imperative that anyone desirous of achieving more should learn how to accede to people’s demands – by way of appreciation.

Our wants are insatiable and we tend to focus more on the things we lack instead of appreciating what we have. And that creates barriers. The easiest way to have more is by appreciating what you have - the more you appreciate what you have, the more you get. Appreciate the Great Architect and Creator of the Universe (if not for anything, at least be thankful for the gift of life) for making you part of His grand design and see whether He won’t smile on you by granting unto you your heart’s desires. However poor your parents may be, appreciate them (remember, you couldn’t have possibly come to this world without them) and see whether the blessings that come with obedience of one’s parents won’t be yours. Appreciate your colleagues and see if they won’t go out of their way to support you. Appreciate everyone that helps you in one way or the other and see if they won’t go miles to further help. You bet!

Appreciation works wonders. According to Melody Beattie, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos into order, confusion into clarity.” Despite the fact that human beings are proud and difficult by nature, people are still your best assets. Don’t be deceived, God will not come down physically to help you, He will still use people. Since you cannot do without people, it is only wise that you learn how to deal with them (by massaging their ego) to better your lot. Employ tact. Swallow your pride. I implore you to dish out words and deeds of appreciation generously so that doors will continually open for you. A word, they say, is enough for the wise.