There’s a vast difference between growing old and growing old gracefully.
The distinction is all about attitude. Aging gracefully means letting go of certain behaviors, those that make us feel less appreciated and less visible.
On the flip side, embracing positivity and maturity can lead to a deep sense of appreciation as we age. Wise folks know that it’s not just about what you do, but also about what you stop doing.
Here are some behaviors to bid farewell to if you want to feel more appreciated as you age.
Let’s dive in.
We all have a desire to be liked and approved of. But as we age, this need for constant validation can hold us back from feeling truly appreciated.
The reality? The older we get, the less necessary it becomes to seek approval from others. This is not to say that feedback isn’t important, but there’s a line between consideration and obsession.
Consider this. When you’re always looking for validation, it can come across as if you’re not confident in your decisions or abilities. And this can lead people to perceive you as less capable.
On the flip side, when we demonstrate self-assurance and make decisions based on our own convictions, people naturally respect and appreciate us more.
Stand by your decisions, trust your experience, and let your actions speak for themselves. The appreciation will follow.
I remember when I first got a smartphone. I was resistant and thought, “Why do I need this? My old flip phone works just fine.” But as time passed, I realized how much easier it made my life – from online shopping to video calls with my grandchildren.
The point is, as we age, it’s easy to stick to what we know and avoid new technologies. But this can actually isolate us from current conversations and make us feel less appreciated.
In my case, once I embraced the technology, not only did it open up new avenues of communication, but it also gave me a sense of accomplishment. Plus, my family and friends appreciated the fact that they could reach me in ways that were convenient for them.
Embrace the change and see how it can benefit you and those around you.
As we age, it’s easy to fall into a pattern of either reminiscing about the past or worrying about the future. However, this can often prevent us from fully engaging in the present moment and being appreciated for who we are today.
Mindfulness, the practice of being fully present and engaged in the current moment, encourages us to let go of these past and future concerns. This isn’t just a concept, it’s a proven technique to increase happiness and appreciation.
In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I explore various mindfulness techniques that can help you appreciate the present and feel more appreciated by others.
By practicing mindfulness, we can let go of past regrets and future anxieties, bringing our full attention to what’s happening now. This not only makes us more present in our interactions with others but also makes us more appreciative of what we have.
Embrace mindfulness and start living in the moment.
There was a time when I held onto grudges like an old, worn-out security blanket. There was a certain comfort in nursing these old wounds, in holding onto the hurt caused by others.
But over time, I realized that these grudges were not keeping me safe; they were keeping me stuck, preventing me from moving forward and feeling truly appreciated.
Letting go of grudges doesn’t mean forgetting or condoning wrongs. It means choosing peace and personal growth over resentment. It’s a decision to focus on positive interactions and relationships instead of dwelling on past hurts.
When we let go of grudges, we make room for healthier relationships and interactions that can lead to a deeper sense of appreciation.
Saying ‘yes’ to every request might seem like a surefire way to be appreciated. After all, who doesn’t appreciate a helping hand? But here’s the counterintuitive truth: always saying ‘yes’ can actually lead to less appreciation over time.
When we constantly agree to everything, we can overextend ourselves, leading to burnout and resentment. What’s more, people may start to take our help for granted, expecting it as a given rather than appreciating it as a choice.
Saying ‘no’ when necessary allows us to protect our time and energy. It also ensures that when we do say ‘yes’, it’s because we genuinely want to help and have the capacity to do so. This can lead to a deeper sense of appreciation from others.
It might feel uncomfortable at first, but with time you’ll see the positive impact it can have on your relationships and overall wellbeing.
We all have a critic inside us. For some, this voice is louder and more persistent, always pointing out flaws and mistakes. While a healthy level of self-criticism can motivate us to improve, being overly critical can make us feel less appreciated.
When we’re constantly finding fault in ourselves and others, it breeds negativity. This can push people away and make it harder for them to appreciate our qualities.
Moreover, when we’re overly critical of ourselves, it becomes difficult to accept compliments or appreciation from others, even when it’s genuinely offered.
On the other hand, cultivating a more positive outlook allows us to recognize our strengths and accept compliments more graciously. It also encourages positive interactions with others, fostering mutual appreciation.
Strive for a more balanced perspective that focuses on positives as much as areas for improvement.
The most important thing to understand is that feeling appreciated starts with appreciating ourselves. Often, we neglect self-care as we age, prioritizing others or dismissing it as an indulgence. However, self-care isn’t a luxury; it’s a necessity.
When we take care of ourselves physically, emotionally, and spiritually, we project an image of self-respect and self-worth. This not only improves our own sense of wellbeing but also signals to others that we value ourselves. And when we value ourselves, it encourages others to value us as well.
If you truly want to feel more appreciated as you get older, prioritize self-care. Say goodbye to the behavior of neglecting your own needs and start embracing the practice of taking care of yourself. It’s not selfish—it’s essential.
Personal growth and change are an integral part of our journey as humans. As we age, this growth can lead to a deeper sense of appreciation, both from ourselves and others.
The behaviors we’ve discussed, whether it’s always saying ‘yes’ or neglecting self-care, are all things that can hold us back from feeling truly appreciated. Letting them go is not just about changing habits; it’s about personal growth and embracing a more positive, mindful approach to life.
In my book, “The Art of Mindfulness: A Practical Guide to Living in the Moment”, I delve deeper into how mindfulness can aid this personal growth and lead to a greater sense of appreciation.
Remember, feeling appreciated starts from within. When we value ourselves and take care of our needs, it fosters an environment where others can appreciate us more.
So, as you reflect on these behaviors, consider not just how they might be holding you back, but also how letting them go could lead to a more fulfilling, appreciated life as you age.
The post If you want to feel more appreciated as you get older, say goodbye to these behaviors appeared first on Small Business Bonfire.
—
Blog powered by G6
Disclaimer! A guest author has made this post. G6 has not checked the post. its content and attachments and under no circumstances will G6 be held responsible or liable in any way for any claims, damages, losses, expenses, costs or liabilities whatsoever (including, without limitation, any direct or indirect damages for loss of profits, business interruption or loss of information) resulting or arising directly or indirectly from your use of or inability to use this website or any websites linked to it, or from your reliance on the information and material on this website, even if the G6 has been advised of the possibility of such damages in advance.
For any inquiries, please contact [email protected]
