Think about a time when someone showed appreciation for you. Maybe your boss thanked you in front of the whole team, and even described how your extra effort made a big difference for the company.

How did you feel?

It felt amazing, didn’t it? And it spurred you to grow even more. You probably felt encouraged to do a good job again the next time, right?

That’s a great example of a powerful principle we can apply in all aspects of our lives, including our exercise and nutrition habits.

What you appreciate … appreciates. What you value then grows in value.

Here are a few more examples.

• When you show your partner how you appreciate certain behavior, he or she is likely to do it more.

• When you lose a few pounds, you’re happy – and also encouraged to continue eating right and going to the gym.

• When you nurture friendships by spending time on them, those people feel good – and the relationships deepen over time.

The word “appreciate” has multiple meanings. It can mean that we simply notice something. Then that we’re thankful for it, and that we place a value on it. But the word also means “to grow,” as in a financial investment.

When you’re living a healthy lifestyle, you feel better emotionally, physically, mentally and spiritually. The benefits of that investment appreciate and compound – so you, in turn, want to keep eating right and exercising and enjoying all the positive, wonderful gifts around you.

If you want something to appreciate, show how much you appreciate it. Including yourself.

PS – I’m offering a free Plant-Based for a Day Challenge that starts on Monday – Join me HERE!