“The deepest principle in human nature is the craving to be appreciated” —William James.

Perhaps we humans have similar experiences. Indeed we do; yet uniquely from our individual perspective and interpretation. Sometimes we feel as if we are in a desert from lack of appreciated. Recognition and gratitude for our efforts are nowhere to be found. We may withhold self-appreciation from ourselves.

I have freshly come from a weekend writer’s retreat. The leader of the retreat reiterated the significance of recognition of our own good jobs, gracious acts, our bravery and accomplishments. The list is enormous of what each of us contribute to one another and to the enrichment of the public. 

We each are awesome. I would probably tire from the long list of what a nurse accomplishes during her hospital work shift. Consider a mother, a father, how they vastly shape the household environment and the lives of their children.

When we give of our talents and creative works to the world around us, we have given the wealth of ourselves. An ordinary act of picking up a banana peel at the grocery store could save a life. Suppose a pregnant woman slipped on a piece of squashed fruit on the grocer’s floor. Our contributions to our fellow human beings are enormous. 

Maintaining an even temperament within ourselves is invaluable. How we show up on the road makes an important difference in our driving and reactions to the community of drivers with us on the roadways.