Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.
Leo Buscaglia
A few days ago I was talking to someone at work and I suddenly felt the urge to tell her how much I admire her demeanor and skills, and to praise her for the way she handled a certain situation. A smile lit up her face and she thanked me. She then added: “Thanks for your encouragement. I needed to hear that today.”
And I realized that no matter how calm and collected they look, people are fighting difficult battles. They might be smiling, but deep down they might be falling apart.
With just a compliment – a kind word that costs nothing – we can give hope, restore confidence, provide encouragement and bring joy. It’s that easy!
So I decided to try to compliment someone everyday – one compliment a day. Complimenting is not only the finest and maybe most powerful social skill, but also a sign of awareness and a kind of attention training. It makes me think more about the other person and forces my brain to focus on and notice the good things in others, which means more positive thoughts for me. It motivates me to be more mindful and it helps me cultivate a habit of appreciation.
Besides, I feel great when I compliment someone and seeing more smiles around me gives my mood a boost all by itself. It’s easy and it comes naturally. It’s so rewarding to see the power of my words, and if I can bring a smile on someone else’s face with just a word, then I know I’m going to do it more often.
Try to focus less on yourself and more on people around you. Acknowledge their efforts. Notice and compliment them on their work or the way they inspire you, on their new haircut, on something you admire at them, on their new sunglasses, or a new shirt. Don’t we all want to be noticed?
Compliment someone tomorrow and watch their reaction. Compliment someone and watch YOUR reaction. See how it makes you feel. I know I’m going to do it again tomorrow and I know it’s going to make me happy!
Let’s stay in touch! I would love if you’d follow me on Facebook, Pinterest, Twitter, Instagram, Google+ and Bloglovin.
It’s always fun to share so let’s head over to Share the Joy Party.
We humans thrive on connection. How important, then, that those connections are timely, supportive and constructive
That´s a great idea, love it!
A lot of the time when people are smiling they are often hiding other pain. A compliment heart felt is definitely a gift that we can share both for them and ourselves. Great post Ana!
It’s true, Julie. We share compliments to brighten someone else’s day, but also to boost our mood. So easy!
What a nice way to make a small difference each day! I’ll definitely keep this in mind and try to compliment people more often. You’re right, it can really turn someone’s day around even if you don’t realize it.
I’m glad you like it, Catherine. 🙂
I agree you never know how much a person needs to here that positive comment.
I spoke about this at my youth group a couple months back. It’s amazing how big a different a kind gesture can make. And it is completely free! Such good advice 🙂
Thank you, Janelle. 🙂
Great reminders! Sometimes it really is the little things.
It’s true, Allison! I love the name of your blog. 🙂
I could not agree more! A few kind words or a compliment can go a long way. I was not having the best of days and a young girl came up to me at the grocery store and told me what beautiful eyes I had. Well guess what… I finished the day feeling pretty good about myself! Another great post!!
Aww, that’s so nice. It requires so little effort, and with such great results!
It is amazing how much words can effect you…they can hurt so deeply or lift you right off the ground! Great Post!
Thank you! We have to choose to use our words wisely.
Totally agree-just a few kind words can totally change someone’s day!
That’s what I like about blogging, we can encourage each other with kind comments and compliments! Even a click of the like button brings a smile to my heart! Thank you for your kindness Ana! You bring sunshine!!
<3 carmen
Aww, thank you, Carmen! You just made my day! And I totally agree with you – a click of the like button can do wonders. 🙂
Ana, a good reminder. 🙂 It’s amazing how small things make big difference.
I like reading your blog as it radiates sunshine…just the way it is named “Celebrating Sunshine:. 😀
Thank you, Norma! Your comment just put a huge smile on my face. Yes, it’s the small things…
😀
A compliment makes someone else feel better, but it also has the added benefit of making me feel happier too. Just watching a person brighten up and smile is usually enough to help lift me up. It really is a win-win!
It’s so true Jess, and so easy! Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
I love giving and receiving compliments. Thank you so much for sharing. I love your sweet spirit 🙂
Thank you for your kind words, Mischelle. 🙂
I was merely heeding your advice. 🙂
Big hug! 🙂
Such a poignant point in a world in desperate need of more kind words.
Happy Thursday!
#SHINEbloghop
Megs
Happy Thursday, Meg! Thanks for stopping by. 🙂
I love this. It’s so simple, yet can leave such a huge impact. I’m going to be adding this to my Friday Favorites this week! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much, Stefani! I’m glad you like it.
Ana, it is amazing what a compliment can do for others. A great post, thanks for sharing. Lynn from lynz real cooking featured you in her Friday Friends. Have a happy day! 🙂
Thank you so much for stopping by, Spearfruit. Lynn is truly amazing and I feel honored to be featured on her blog. 🙂
This is a terrific post, Ana. It’s so important to be reminded of the power of positive comments and compliments and it would be a better world indeed if everyone would take it upon themselves to share one nice thing daily with a family member, colleague and stranger. There are countless opportunities in our day to do so: at home, at work, at the grocery store or on the bus. Please keep up these great posts, nudging us to be kinder and better people. So glad to have found your blog through the ‘Let’s Get Real’ weekly blog hop.
Thank you so much for your kind words, Reuven. I’m glad you like my blog. 🙂
This is a lovely post. Thank you for sharing at the Thursday Favorite Things link party.. Watch for your feature tomorrow xo
Thank you so much Katherine. You just made my day. 🙂
What simple thing to do, and yet, so empowering for us all.
What a wonderful post! Compliments are so powerful, especially in an environment such as the workplace where the general experience is that of targets and what you need to do better than rather what you have already done well! How lovely that you’ve made a promise to do this every single day, what a difference that will make 🙂 #sharethejoy
Thank you for your kind words, Amanda! I’m glad you like my post. 🙂
Thank you so much for the reminder, Ana! I know this deep down, but forget to do it. I don’t know why. Too distracted I guess. I really do want to encourage people more. Great post!
Well said, Ana Marie. I have been trying to teach my teen boys that compliments are so important, but both are reluctant and more on the introverted side. I try to encourage them to try to make the other person feeling good. They usually don’t remember what you said, but how you make them feel.
I’m sure your boys got the memo, but they are just shy. Give them some time and I’m sure they will use your advice. 🙂
This is so true and a lovely sentiment! I try to compliment everyone I meet – spread the joy! Thanks so much for sharing and linking up at #sharethejoy again lovely x
Thanks for stopping by and for organizing this lovely linkup, Michelle! 🙂
What a lovely, positive post! I love that making someone else smile made you happy. That’s a great way to make yourself happier. 🙂
#sharethejoy
Thank you, Morgan. I’m glad you like my post. Have a sunny weekend! 🙂