Boosting Positivity This Holiday Season: The Gift of Acknowledgment and Appreciation

As the holiday season draws near, many of us feel the pressure of endless to-do lists and crowded schedules. It’s easy to get caught up in the rush and lose sight of what really matters. One interesting fact about human nature is that negative experiences tend to stick in our minds more than positive ones. This happens because our brains are wired to prioritize survival, making us more alert to danger. While this focus helps us avoid harm, it can also overshadow the good moments that deserve our attention.

This season, instead of just sharing happy moments on social media or waiting for memories to resurface, I invite you to try something different. Let’s take the time to acknowledge and appreciate the people around us. Whether it’s a friend who always supports you, a family member who quietly shows kindness, or a business that exceeded your expectations, giving positive feedback can brighten someone’s day and strengthen your own sense of peace.

Why Negative Memories Are Easier to Recall

Our brains have evolved to remember threats more vividly than pleasures. This survival mechanism helped early humans avoid dangers like predators or poisonous plants. Today, this means we often recall negative events more clearly than positive ones, even if the positives outnumber the negatives.

This tendency can affect our mood and outlook, especially during busy times like the holidays. When we focus on what went wrong or what we dislike, it can create stress and anxiety. Recognizing this pattern is the first step to changing it.

The Power of Positive Acknowledgment

Positive memories and experiences need extra effort to stay at the forefront of our minds. One way we do this is by sharing happy moments on social media, where friends comment and create a loop of positive reinforcement. But this method has its limits. It’s much easier to post a negative review or complaint because anger and frustration give us energy to act.

Taking the time to write a positive review or express gratitude requires more intention. Yet, this small act can have a big impact. It lifts the person receiving the acknowledgment and also calms your nervous system, reducing stress and increasing feelings of well-being.

How to Give the Gift of Appreciation

Here are some practical ways to share positivity this holiday season:

• Write a heartfelt note or message to someone who has made a difference in your life. It could be a friend, family member, coworker, or neighbor.

• Leave a positive review for a local business or service you appreciate. This helps support them and spreads good feelings.

• Give verbal compliments when you notice kindness or effort. Simple words like “Thank you for always being there” can mean a lot.

• Share stories of kindness with others to inspire more positive actions.

• Practice daily gratitude by reflecting on the good things and people in your life.

  
  

These actions don’t require much time but can create lasting effects for both giver and receiver.

A handwritten thank-you note on a wooden table with a cup of tea

The Ripple Effect of Positivity

When you acknowledge someone’s kindness or effort, you do more than just brighten their day. You encourage a culture of appreciation that can spread through communities. People who feel valued are more likely to pass on kindness to others.

This ripple effect can be especially powerful during the holidays, a time when many feel isolated or overwhelmed. Your small gesture might be the light that someone needs to feel connected and hopeful.

Personal Reflection and Gratitude

At Sea Glass Yoga, nestled in the peaceful surroundings of Yellow Point, I feel deeply grateful for everyone who has shared their time and energy in my space. Your presence, honesty, and company have enriched my life in countless ways. Thank you for trusting me and for being part of this journey.

This season, I encourage you to reflect on the people who have supported you, even in small ways. Let them know how much they mean to you. This simple act of acknowledgment is a gift that keeps on giving.

Bringing More Peace Into Your Life

Expressing appreciation not only helps others but also benefits your own mental and emotional health. Studies show that gratitude can lower stress, improve sleep, and increase happiness. When you focus on positive memories and share them, your nervous system relaxes, creating a sense of calm.

Try this exercise: each day, write down one positive thing someone did for you and send them a quick message of thanks. Notice how this practice shifts your mood and deepens your connections.

The holiday season is a perfect time to slow down and focus on what truly matters. By giving the gift of acknowledgment and appreciation, you create more joy for yourself and those around you. Take a moment today to brighten someone’s world with your words. You might be surprised at how much it lifts your own spirit.