It doesn't take much - sometimes just a few seconds - to make someone's day. I know, because I am thankful any time someone takes the time to be kind to me. Not only does it feel good, but it can last all day!
Last week, I was walking down the hall at work and I saw a lady I know coming toward me. She was wearing a sleeveless top and in that moment, she was absolutely radiant! "You are really looking great!" I told her as I approached.
I wish you could have seen her face beaming. "Oh, THANK YOU," she said with a huge smile.
Now, I happen to know that this lady worked hard to lose a bit of weight a few years back. I also recently saw her in the gym at work, where she told me she continues to work out faithfully. I also know that she's recently suffered the loss of her sister and I think she has some other family things going on. In general, I really like her. We aren't close and only have a conversation every few months, if that. But she's someone I really want to feel good, so it's never hard to pay her a compliment.
The thing is, though I am often attentive to the people closest to me, I don't reserve my compliments for people I like, or even people that I know. When I step into the elevator, where it's normally silent, I'm quick to comment on a pretty necklace or a colorful dress. I often pay attention to the details of the people at the grocery store checkout, the waitress serving my food, or anyone in my sight for more than a second.
I really believe that everyone deserves to feel important, or at least feel like someone sees them, even for a moment. And if there's something to compliment, even better.
So, I encourage you to point out the positives in the people you know, but also to step outside most people's comfort zone and comment on something to a perfect stranger. Make it a habit - because it's not just rewarding when you're on the receiving end - the smile you can bring to someone else's face is absolutely priceless!
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