Four Principles for the Unappreciated to Live By.

Who Is Appreciating You?

Do you feel unappreciated? Are you tired of feeling used and overlooked for all the work you do? I think we have all answered yes to these questions at some point in our lives. There are those times when we know we are receiving less than what we deserve and it is heart breaking. Our relationships can leave us feeling empty and drained because sometimes friends and family members take us for granted or only wanted to be on the receiving end but when you need help they seem unresponsive.

I know I can not be the only one who has faced these challenges right? There has got to be someone out there who has went through or is currently going through these moments. Well if you are reading this and have gone or currently going through, I would like to share with you four principles on how I overcame the feeling of not being appreciated.

First Things First:

The Bible! Yes the bible contains the answers that we need to get help in the area of feeling unappreciated. Now wait…. Don’t go yet, hear me out. As a Christian I have read the bible and found so many affirmations that would help has helped me understand that my very existents is beautiful, thought out, intentional, and I have a purpose for being here. Just read the following scriptures:

For I am fearfully and wonderfully made -Psalm 139:14

I am loved -John 15:9

I am accepted -Ephesians -1:6

I am God’s handiwork -Ephesians 2:10

These are just a tiny portion of what God says about us, His creation. In life we sometimes become so desperate for people to approve us when God already has. So the first place to start in overcoming the feeling of not being appreciated is to know that your very presence on this Earth is appreciated and approved by God himself. So look to Him through pray and and His word.

Now that we have done first things first, next principle is to affirm yourself with those beautiful words of the bible. Its important to speak those truths over yourself to overcome those negative thoughts, words, and even less than true performance appraisals on the job. Me personally, I have worked on a job for 14 years, giving my all, with integrity, and still only recognize for my good work ethic three times out of all those years. At times I felt defeated but then I stopped worrying about what others had to say and focused only on what the Lord had to say. And in having this mind set, I began to focus on defeating the unappreciated feeling with my next principle.

In all that you do, do it unto the Lord. When you know that God is the true rewarder then you will feel free to do your work with excellence, knowing God is the real Boss! There are so many people who just should not be a leader, manger, or president😉but they have been given that role. Sometimes they misuse or abuse their titles and hurt many people. That is why we must entrust these people in God’s hands and still be the best employee and example to others. Many people on your job may feel the same as you do or worst but if you start implementing these principles you can help people to overcome as well. Now the last principle.

Appreciate yourself! Beloved you have to understand that it is important that you recognize yourself as special. The wonderful part of this principle is that you know what you like and enjoy. I think it is liberating when you understand that “I can take my own self out” or “I can treat my own self”. When we leave it up to other flawed human beings, we are setting ourselves up for disappointment. So try not to get upset when that boss, spouse, friend, or family member does not appreciated you like you think they should. When these moments arise just look to the God who cares for you (1 Peter 5:7).

Now that we have went over these four principles I hope you will work on then and experience true freedom. Like you, I have had so many frustrated moments when I felt overlooked and unappreciated but after turning my focus on God, things changed for the better. So give these principles a try and see how freeing it is to stop allowing others to hold your worth in their hands. You are valuable, loved, and appreciated by The Lover of Your Soul!

–Kenya Johnson