words of affirmation is my love language. the slightest, simplist compliment paid to me goes a looonng way. i hold on to the bright, kind words and pull them out on my stormy, down days. and they don't even have to be about me- they could be compliments on my home, my children, an accomplishment, a decision. words of praise, when they come from the heart, fill my tank aplenty.
there was a young man who worked as a bagger at the grocery store where i used to shop. he was maybe 20 years old, and i think he worked there every day of the week becaues he was always there. he had a disability of some kind that made his speech slow and his behavior and mannerisms child-like. but every time i was there he made my day better. i could have had the most stressful grocery shopping trip, but when i got to the check-out, he would be there, start bagging my groceries, and he would always, always, say to me, "you look very pretty today." sometimes he said it 3 or 4 times in a matter of minutes.
i haven't been to that grocery store in years, but i can still hear that boy's voice in my head and it still makes me smile.
a few months ago, my sister pulled me aside and said she's starting a new "thing" in her life where if she thinks something positive about someone, she's going to tell them right away. and then she said, "i think you're a really good mom." she has no idea how much that meant to me. her words will stay in my heart forever. [thanks, stef!]
i'm not the only one who hangs on to kind words like this. and i know that. there are plenty of studies to prove the power of praise.
i also know that what goes around comes around. do unto others as you'd have them do unto you. give and it shall be given unto you.
so you know what feels just as good-if not better than- getting a compliment? GIVING A COMPLIMENT.
and i'm not talking about empty, meaningless words. the more you mean it, the more you feel it, the more effort you put into it, the more YOU will get out of it. boost someone else and it'll boost you. my sister's new "thing" is the thing to do. my Pastor's wife says, "change your words and change your world!"
i've been reading The Power of A Woman's Words by Sharon Jaynes. it is a wonderful, Biblical look at how our words can change the course of a day or the course of our lives. if you're looking for a quick but impactful read, i highly recommend this book.
i just want to encourage you to give compliments freely and meaningfully. watch your words carefully and make sure they're kind. your words are more important than you think.
i saw a greeting card once that said "a compliment is verbal sunshine." spread the sunshine!
photo by Studio Amore.
