Gratitude and Appreciation - What's the Difference?

During a recent conversation, the question arose as whether there is a difference between gratitude and appreciation and, if so, what would it be? In the thick of the discussion, one of my colleagues pulled out his computer and searched the internet for what others may have shared about this question. We found answers that pretty much mirrored our own unique perspectives.

One distinction that we found that was commonly shared is that gratitude is the base from which appreciation grows and flourishes...if we're paying attention. That is, we can be grateful for something in our lives without really appreciating it.

The subtle shift from gratitude to appreciation involves being more present - more thoughtfully aware and active in reflecting on the reasons we feel grateful about something or someone. Through present moment awareness, we begin to generate feelings of appreciation.

For example, we can be grateful for having food on our table. However, we can go further and appreciate its beauty, fragrance, taste, nutrition, and preparation. We move beyond thankfulness as we consciously recognize the value that food adds to our lives. In fact, one definition of the word "appreciation" is "recognition of the quality, value, significance, or magnitude of people and things."

When we truly have appreciation, we bring to mind what about someone, or something makes us feel brighter, lighter, happier, more inspired, energized, and loved. And that's a good thing, regardless of what's going on with the economy that is beyond our control and can test our gratefulness.

Author Melody Beattie says, "Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow."

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