Working to Be an Appreciator

"Many people see Jim as an extraordinary creator & I realize that I see Jim first as an appreciator. He appreciated so much. He loved London. He loved walking on the heath. He loved Parliament Hill, flying kites. He appreciated his family & his colleagues & his Muppet family & he appreciated the performance & the design of a puppet. He appreciated the detail on a Persian rug. He appreciated beauty. I really don't believe that Jim could have been such an estraordinary creator if he hadn't been such an extraordinary appreciator."
--Frank Oz on Jim Henson in "It's Not Easy Being Green And Other Things to Consider" by Jim Henson, the Muppets, & Friends

This quote struck a chord inside me. I am always so busy that I rarely take the time to be an Appreciator. I have my moments but they usually are BRIEF. I really feel this way at home. I always have so many projects (the shed, organization, a yard sale (two this year), cleaning out, cleaning, not to mention work & volunteering) that I can do not allow myself to appreciate my family & friends or a good book or quietude, spiritual or mediation time. When I don't have enough quiet or spiritual time, I make myself downright crazy or manic.

I always have the mind set of "when I finish X-project(s), particularly when it comes to cleaning out the house & organizing it, that I will focus on spirituality, spend more time with my friends, playing outside (I want to ride my bicycle!) & allow myself to read or knit rather than always feeling like I should clean & organize the house. If I don't do it now, when will I?

So in addition to my main goal for 2006, which is "My Year of Decluttering", I'm also going to strive to be an appreciator. I'm going to spend more time with friends; more time outdoors; going to give myself time to pray & meditate; & more time to appreciate!