Give a good word
“Our chief want is someone who will inspire us to be what we know we could be.” Ralph Waldo EmersonWhat was with people's thoughtfulness this weekend? Wow.
I had a flood of kind words come my way.
One woman liked my shoes. One stranger stopped me to say she enjoyed this blog. (Seriously?! Thank YOU for reading!!) Yet another person said something nice about my kid while someone I had just met (I'm looking at you Pam!) told me how she thought my husband was sooooo handsome. (Yes he is!).
I could list more examples, but the point isn't about me, but the generous words of others. None of the gestures cost the speaker much, but the impact of their words was beyond encouraging.
This week, pay attention to the people around you and find something kind to say. Be an instigator of kindness and encouragement.
If it's helpful to have a daily assignment, here's the mission, should you choose to accept it:
Monday: Look the Barista* in the eye and say thank you for more than your coffee. (*Or anyone who is serving you.)
Tuesday: Tell your spouse* something you appreciate about them. (*or best friend, roommate, significant other)
Wednesday: Write a note to your kid, mom, dad, sibling, or neighbor complimenting them on something SPECIFIC.
Thursday: Email a colleague and say something great about them WITHOUT asking for anything!!
Friday: Reach out to someone in your family and remind them of a memory (recent or otherwise) where you noticed their amazingness!
Take Saturday and Sunday to catch up on any you missed or repeat any of the ones above.
I'm betting not only will you blow some wind into their sails, you'll feel pretty good about yourself as well!
Can't wait to hear how it goes!!