Grateful, content, thankful, appreciative; These words describe the act of being aware and acknowledging your experiences and things within your own life; a positive reflection. In our consumer-ridden, status-based culture, these thoughts are often not prominent in our lives. We desire more or envy those who experience things differently than we do which leads to an endless cycle of discontentment in our lives. It seems we will always be striving for more, never feeling fulfilled. To challenge this entitled culture, I would like to present a moment to practice gratitude. The benefits are unseen, below the surface, but they are real. Gratitude has proven health benefits such as the lowering of blood pressure, reduced anxiety, boosting your immune system, and more. Studies have repeatedly demonstrated positive change in individuals when gratitude is routinely expressed and demonstrated. As you experience my work, I hope you experience these wonderful benefits and share them with others. Take some time to appreciate someone else today—we are all in this together.
Reflection is a key component of thankfulness. Take some time to create a flower that visually represents your experience through the exhibit and personal reflection. As you do this, choose someone who has impacted your life, whether big or small, and show your appreciation with a flower. It could be a parent, friend, co-worker, a stranger—anyone who you would like to appreciate today. Swap the real flower with the one you have created and then write a note to go along with it. Take some time to be intentional and honest as you reflect and write. After you are done with this, take your flower and deliver it to the person you chose.
I applaud your effort to show authentic appreciation for those around you while adding to the creation of this project. Thank you.
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