“The ability to appreciate is a learned behavior. Mastery of this skill of seeing the full worth  in people, in creation and all life is the difference between being a positive or a negative human being.” Fred Crowell

January 22, 2016, was a banner day for me as I hosted Friday with Fred. I reserved 36 seats for folks who wanted to have lunch with me. To my delight, 34 were able to join me for a wonderful two hours. The theme of the event was EQ (emotional intelligence). 2016 was a banner day for me as I hosted Friday with Fred. I reserved 36 seats for folks who wanted to have lunch with me. To my delight, 34 were able to join me for a wonderful two hours. The theme of the event was EQ (emotional intelligence).

A major component of your EQ is the ability to recognize the value of appreciation. A favorite nugget and new saying of mine is, “what you appreciate, appreciates.”

Former Gonzaga basketball sensation, Mike Nilson, gave an inspiring presentation on servant leadership. Jennifer Crowell Ferch gave us insightful data on living above the line.

Jennifer reported:

• Eight hugs per day decrease your chances of dementia.

• Singing together creates an elevated feeling of unity and increases pain tolerance.

• Statistically, improvement is apparent in cancer patients who keep a nightly journal of the things they are thankful for.

Lamentations 3: 22-24 fires my passion to be a master of recognizing the full value of all creation. Mr. Cancer is my life. Your ability to appreciate appreciation is your key to win the moment. Feast on and appreciate these words.

Through the Lord’s mercies, we are not consumed because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning. Great is your faithfulness. “The Lord is my portion,” says my soul, therefore I hope in him.

Action steps:

• Hug 8 times each day (this can include your favorite tree?)
• Write five gratitudes each night at bedtime.
• Sing one song out loud every day
  bedtime.

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