A simple, yet complex distinction between these two can make a profound difference in your life, but why? Is it possible to know the difference? How can so many people not know this? What does it take to realize there is a huge difference?

 To begin with, here are the definitions of attachment and appreciation. Attachment means having a bonding feeling to a person, place, thing, ideal, cause, or situation; feeling a sense of devotion or regard towards a person, place, thing, ideal, cause, or situation.

 

Appreciation means having gratitude; a thankful recognition; estimating the quality of things and giving them value; doing a favorable critique.Allow me to expound on these concepts and to give you something to think about.

 

Here are a few questions to ask first before we go there.  

 

·         Are you attached or appreciative of your loved ones?

 

 

·         Are you attached or appreciative of your possessions?

 

 

·         Are you attached or appreciative of your friends?

 

 

·         Are you attached or appreciative of your ideals?

 

 

·         Are you attached or appreciative of places?

 

 

·         Are you attached or appreciative of a situation?

 

 

·         Are you attached or appreciative of a cause?

 

 Here is one way you can find out if you are attached or appreciative. If any of the above were to be broken, stolen, lost, or gone, how would you react? Your reaction to the loss of any of the above would determine your attachment or appreciation. Would you become angry, resentful, jealous, worried, critical, or even revengeful? These feelings are very real and can cause a person to feel immobilized to the point that he or she cannot function in an acceptable manner. These negative feelings with their negative impact are signs of attachment. They are signs of attachment because they give the false impression that you have lost control over that particular person, place, thing, or situation. Unfortunately, the sense of losing control of anything is one of the greatest human fears.

 

 

On the other hand from the appreciative stance, if any of the above were to be broken, stolen, lost, or gone you would definitely experience a grieving process, but feel a sense of gratitude that you had the opportunity for enjoyment while it lasted. You would understand that things are as they should be and you are where you’re supposed to be. The loss would have no significant negative impact on your existence because you would realize that in life everything is temporary. Nature even shows us this truth with the changing of the seasons.  

 

 

Appreciation truly is a form of love for the beauty that surrounds you. Please understand that being appreciative does not mean being indifferent, but do notice that being appreciative has a positive effect on your life and those around you. Attachment on the other hand, has a negative impact that affects your life and those around you as well.

 

 So after all is said and done, are you attached or appreciative?

Krystalina is a freelance writer and enjoys writing about living a fulfilling life. Her writing services include article writing, proofreading, editing, and ghostwriting. You may visit her at http://writingforyounow.com

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