By Ricinda Perry

When that unexpected compliment comes along, it can change your whole day.  That is what happened to me a couple of times this week.  At a random moment when I was focused on a number of other things, including a personal rock concert starring my three year old daughter in the middle of a store with a fisher price plastic guitar, a lady who has crossed my path a few times recently, shared a touching story about how one of my prior articles meant something to her.  Later that same week during a crazy afternoon, after I paused to help a little boy open a heavy door, my daughter offered the following:

Victoria:  “Mom, you’re cool.”

Me:  “Why?”

Victoria:  “Because you’re nice and really nice to kids.”

Don’t those moments of unexpected personal encouragement just recharge your batteries and make you feel so good?

Here are two things that came to mind about this week:

  1. People are always observing you – especially your children.  While the compliments were a blessing to my day, it was also sobering to realize that I am being observed and people can see my good and my bad moments.  Victoria was learning from me to be courteous even in the busiest of moments.  I am thankful that I was on my good behavior that day.  Imagine if I passed by that young person in need without a helping hand … Victoria observed and learned when I stopped.  Likewise, she would have observed and learned if I had just continued on.
  2. As I thought about this a bit more, it seems like everyone is just craving a compliment.  We hear people “tooting their own horn” at the office … women dress up for a night out … guys flex muscles in the gym mirror. Like these examples, I would also venture that most people who are members of Facebook are on there for compliments and encouragement.  Status updates of places where people are enjoying a get-away, cute entries about kids, beautiful shots of scenery. Then there is the coveted “comment” and “like” portion to the entry.  People are just waiting to see who likes what they are doing or even better … a written compliment to their entry.  Next time you see someone looking for a compliment or who deserves one, go ahead and give it.  We all need and want to feel special and important.

In a society where so many negatives come into our days and where people are pulled and strained in so many directions, a compliment can dramatically change someone’s day.  A compliment can serve as a pause button and give someone a break to come up for fresh air and smile.  Be a blessing to others and I hope soon you will be blessed too.

Compliment

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