Why We Should Each Give More Compliments

The state of the world has me pretty kind of yuck.

Regardless of who you voted for, there’s been so much muck out there that wherever I turn it feels like I hear complaining.

TV = complaining (whether it’s the news… or The Bachelor).

Facebook = complaining.

Home = kids complaining.

No matter how optimistic a girl is, there’s no way that doesn’t start to eat at you.

So I decided if I wanted to see change in the world, I’ll start one tiny task at a time.

Yes, sure, I volunteer. We donate to causes we believe in. We aim to teach our children to be good citizens, but I have felt compelled to go outside our circles.

What if we showed more kindness to those around us?

So two weeks ago I started giving at least one compliment each day to a complete stranger.

Think about how much joy a sincere compliment from a stranger gives you. Not someone you know or your mom (love you mom!), just someone who is near you and couldn’t help but say something kind?

Man, it makes me blush just thinking about the joy that spreads throughout my body.

What goes around comes around, right?

A few weeks ago the gal at Dunkin Donuts looked like she was working her ass off. She also had the best smile, so I said so. I swear she got so giggly and cute and appreciative it was like I was given a gift. For the next few minutes while I was in the store, I could hear her nearly giddy, and you could see her joy and her entire facial expression change.

Selfishly, I wanted to do more. The next day, I complimented a girl who had the cutest freaking scarf with pineapples on it.  Her face beamed.

Each day, I encourage you to spread kindness. This is my way. It doesn’t have to be yours but it’s a good start. It’s free to do so, makes others feel good, and builds good will and kindness one person at a time.

Women can be tough on each other.

Really tough.

But we can also be each other’s biggest advocates and a source of light when we feel lost in the dark.

(ps: LOVE this article about how to give a meaningful, empowering compliment!)

image via unsplash