Appreciate me!
Ever felt unappreciated? Ever felt taken for granted? Ever found yourself doing everything for everyone else
while no one seemed to do anything (or much) for you? Well, I certainly have. And it’s not a good feeling.
Here’s three ideas to tackle these feelings head on - and no it doesn’t involve yelling at your partner or your kids.
1. Appreciate yourself
It is lovely to be admired by others - but how often do we admire ourselves? How often do we recognise the hard work and love we contribute to our families. How often do we stop and reflect on our bounty?
We’re more likely to beat ourselves up for things we ‘didn’t do’ or ‘didn’t do well’ or ‘didn’t do well enough’.
If you like approval or validation from others, perhaps it’s time for some self-approval and self-validation.
Even if others don’t always voice their appreciation, you can appreciate yourself.
2. Appreciate others
When living busy demanding lives, we can forget to acknowledge others.
It’s easy to think our partners have the better deal because they get to ‘go to work’ or they get to ’stay at home’. But oftentimes, no one has the better deal - the roles are different but equally demanding.
How often do you thank your partner for picking up the dry cleaning, caring for the kids all day, bringing home the bacon? Probably not as often as you could.
By voicing your appreciation for others, it might just be reciprocated.
3. Think differently
Instead of thinking, ‘I spent hours cooking a beautiful meal that the kids hardly touched. No one appreciates me!’ Think, ‘It’s the end of the week, and the kids are tired. They can have leftovers tomorrow - which means tomorrow I don’t have to cook at all!’
Instead of thinking, ‘My partner’s working late again, and I’ve got to deal with the kids again. No one appreciates me!’ Think, ‘My partner is busy at work, and is under a lot of pressure. Instead of getting angry, we need to talk about how we can help each other. We’ll sit down over the weekend, and talk about it.’
We all go through times of feeling unappreciated. But the resentment doesn’t have to build until you explode.
Instead, try appreciating yourself, voicing your appreciation for others, and thinking a little differently. It just might help!
By Jodie Benveniste, Director of Parent Wellbeing
