Why the need for a Family Appreciation Month?

During the Covid-19 pandemic of 2020 through to May 2023 when WHO lifted all restrictions, the world was heavily reliant on and hugely grateful to apps for Tick Tock, Facebook, Instagram and WhatsApp among many others which allowed them remain in touch with loved ones when strict travel restrictions and distance rules had been in place. However, as more of us, of all ages, spend more time on our Gaming PCs/Smartphone/PlayStation/Xbox/Nintendo Switch and other electronic devices using a myriad of available apps, we have to wonder how much appreciation/quality time is set aside to spend with "Family" and with ourselves?

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The world has become so absorbed in and over-stimulated by all of the aforementioned that setting aside a specific month, April (Appril) to switch apps to appreciation/quality time can only have a positive impact. Of course, we don't mean a total shut-down for 30 days but that for 30 days we set aside some quality time to switch on appreciation instead of apps. 

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N.B. Appreciation/quality time has a positive impact on the mental health of all concerned 

 

Movember (November) and Veganuary (January) help us to stop and think of important specific issues, a justifiable approach that works extremely well for those issues. No doubt, we can agree that appreciation of "family" and of ourselves are also important specific issues that don't belong to either of these months. These movements weren't overnight successes but they have caught on around the world and have made a huge positive difference. Likewise, Appril (April) won't be an overnight success but it can be successful and it too can make a huge positive difference.

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With this in mind, the month of April was selected as the month dedicated to "Family" appreciation as its name is said by many to be derived from the Latin word Aprilis, which means to open. April is also considered to be the month of the growing season. Likewise, when we open up meaningful conversation with "Family" we show our appreciation and thus our relationships will grow. However, in order for this to happen we need to spend quality time with them which means less time with apps and electronic devices. And it is equally important to open our minds and our world  to interests away from technology.  

 

Appril is a play on the words April, Apps and Appreciation. 

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What is meant by "Family"?

Family means different things to different people. It could mean; relatives or friends/ group/club/workplace/school/community etc. The world is our family.

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What if we already show our appreciation, wouldn't Appril be irrelevant to us?

Even if we don't think we under-appreciate "Family", there's no such thing as spending too much quality time with them. Appril is for everyone everywhere. The only select group it is aimed at is the human race. So, Get Involved with the spirit of Appril and let others know about it too. It's too good to keep to ourselves. After all, sharing is caring. Appril is like show-and-tell for all; show and tell "Family" how much we appreciate them. And don't forget  the importance of self-appreciation too.