Hey, You Are Great!

A few weeks ago, a friend said to me, “Wow the color of that shirt looks great on you. That definitely is YOUR color!”

I smiled all day and certainly will be wearing that shirt again with lots of confidence.

“I can live for two months on a good compliment.”  Mark Twain

When we hear phrases like “You are great!” and “Thanks for being you!”, if they are sincere, the words boost our self-esteem, lift our mood and fill us with energy and joy.

Did you know January 24 is National Compliment Day?  I had never heard of that day before and think it is a wonderful way to remind us all of the power of positive words in our lives. My mom would always say, “Pay attention to the good things happening around us and pass those along to others. There is so much negative in the world. People need to hear the positives things about themselves.”

Compliments are powerful words and when offered with honesty, are empowering for those on the receiving end. They build confidence and provide positive validation of thoughts and actions. Often, a single compliment can change a person’s day from dark to light, a mood from troubled to relieved, and give someone much needed hope that they are moving in the right direction at the beginning of the New Year. This is like a gift we can freely give to another person!

Complimenting character versus a new haircut are different rewards. The first says you respect the person and the other tells them you paid attention. Sometimes the receiver needs to hear one or the other, or both.

The word compliment comes from Latin meaning to fill up or complete. I like that image in a society that drains our spirit, where another person’s words, can fill us up again and make us whole.

Researchers document that simply being nice and sharing a compliment gives your health and well-being a big boost. Compliments improved relationships with others, reduces social isolation and creates more gratitude – factors in building a positive mindset.  Yet upon being asked, as many as 90 per cent of people believe that they should compliment each other more often. People shy away from expressing their appreciation and gratitude to others

Of course I think we’ve all see the awkwardness of someone overcomplimenting. We need to be genuine and focused on being specific and appropriate.

Compliments are one of the most valuable gifts we can give to one another. What encouragement. What light. All it cost us is to pay attention and take a little time and effort to pass on a good word or two.

I think you all are great readers!  Thank you for also being wonderful complementors. Let’s sprinkle with world with kind and positive words and I bet we can change the world.