Years ago I worked as a youth counselor to teenage girls that were homeless, drug addicted, gang affiliated and often pregnant and/or parenting. These girls had such tremendous abuse in their home lives that they often thought life on the street was safer. As a youth counselor, I would work one-on-one with teens. I remember one teen even spit in my face! So tough, so rewarding, but often they move on and you have no idea whether you made a difference or if their lives are better.

This is true in many things we do – too often we help others out and it can feel like a thankless role we play, at home and at work. You don’t have to work a job like the one I did to feel unappreciated.

We have to find it within ourselves to know appreciation.

How are you finding your own appreciation?