Appreciation is often be taken for granted. For Sherri, it was a handful of experiences that allowed her to truly appreciate everything in her life. Through her determination to succeed through her life transitions, Sherri learned to appreciate everything, anything and anyone that cam her way.
By Sherri McKelvey
Appreciation is an interesting word. Thinking about what it is outwardly, inwardly, in the physical, or spiritual — things that we are thankful for. As I think about myself, I have learned to appreciate the determination I have to make the most important things in my life happen.
Appreciation for Life
I would like to share a couple of examples of this. The first revolves around my 3-year-old daughter. About five years ago I was told that my chances of getting pregnant were next to zero. While that was an extremely difficult time, there was something that told me that I should keep pressing on and searching for a way to make the dream of becoming a mom a reality. I certainly started looking into other options such as adoption, but during that time, and after pursuing some fertility solutions which didn’t work, I gave acupuncture a try. I had heard about acupuncture in terms of fertility and thought I wanted to try every option available. I didn’t know if it would work, and the odds were stacked against me, and while I wanted to be realistic, the determination inside of me, the voice inside my head said keep going. Keep going.
After three months of acupuncture I was pregnant. Then half way into the pregnancy I started having problems, landing me on bed rest for the remainder of the pregnancy. Now if you have ever been on bed rest you know it’s not fun! I felt in my heart because of the issues I had getting pregnant, that this may be my only opportunity to have a child and I was determined to do everything I could to see the pregnancy through. This meant numerous visits to the doctors’ office and hospital because I constantly wanted to make sure all was OK with my daughter. I was determined for her, me and my husband to make sure she was OK. I appreciate that determination and follow through. My daughter was born full term. A miracle!
The second example revolves around my job. During my maternity leave there was a large layoff at the company where I worked. I was a casualty during this layoff. I sought new employment in my field, but to no avail. While I was upset about the layoff and my employment situation, I actually also appreciated what that meant to my life. That I was getting to spend my daughter’s infancy with her. These are months and now years that I would never trade for anything. After that I became determined to try to find work that I could do from home, so I could in fact stay home with my daughter. I was able to get some contract work from the company that laid me off and I started to contact people I knew in the past that I thought may be able to offer some suggestions, etc. about other work I might be able to do from home. One of these conversations, although it initially started in a different manner, led to a part time job I have now. The coolest thing about this new job is that I get to work from home, I can work the job around my daughter’s schedule, and the people I work for are two of the most motivational and inspirational people I know. Because of this job and these new people in my life I am now not only determined to continue to be a fantastic employee for them, but also venture out on my own with my own business.
Sometimes it’s hard to look at ourselves, really look at our strengths, and truly appreciate these strengths. But these strengths are a large part of what makes us who we are; it’s a large part of our Identity. And if someone else can appreciate us for our strengths, shouldn’t we appreciate them as well?!
What do you appreciate about yourself and within your life? I can’t wait to hear!
1. What have you accepted in your life that took time, physically or mentally?
That I cannot put my own expectations on other people, that just because I might act a certain way in a certain circumstance doesn’t mean I can expect them to do the same. Accepting this while difficult, has led to a much happier existence.
2. What do you appreciate about yourself and within your life?
I appreciate so much about my life. I appreciate my determination, I appreciate myself for being a kind person, I appreciate my sense of humor/wit … I appreciate having the blessing of being a mom, after it didn’t seem possible, and I appreciate having a wonderful, loving husband.
3. What is one of your most rewarding achievements in life?
What goals do you still have? Finishing my children’s book has been a professional achievement. Personally having my daughter, against all odds — is probably the biggest achievement of my life. Goals — to be a published author — to start my own business.
4. What is your not-so-perfect way? What imperfections and quirks create your Identity?
While I certainly care about my appearance — I am a minimal make-up kind of gal. Just a little lipstick and eyeliner and sometimes none. I just never had much interest in putting on a lot of make-up. I can definitely be goofy, with a goofy sense of humor — seems to go over well though with my friends and daughter!
5. How would you complete the phrase “I Love My…?”
I Love My kind nature, that I think is very evident in the way I live and in my relationships.
