Hello Friends! … and Happy soulful Sunday.  We are at the beginning of another week and can you believe how February is flying by.  We’ve got only one more week left this month, and March will be here.

How much do compliments mean to you?  Do you give them freely? or Is it something that’s earned?  Do you notice how someone is grinding, and really trying to make a difference in the lives of the people they come into contact with, so you want to give them compliments and praise?

I will admit that sometimes I forget to give a compliment when it’s needed.  It’s in my head, and I’m thinking it but I never execute it.  Do you believe that saying a few complimentary words to someone will go to their head? A compliment is free, and what may seem simple to you … can go a long way with others.  Let’s think about that … if you know the person you’re paying the compliment to is deserving, then you know that it’s not going to their head.  It may be just what they need to keep grinding because maybe they don’t think that anyone notices. Also, how well do you take compliments that are given to you?  Is it that, you don’t feel you need them, so you don’t give them to others … or do you assume that the person gets compliments all the time, so yours will go unnoticed.  This brings me to List #30  which asks … “List the compliments you want to give others”.

• Thank you for always greeting me in the morning
• Thank you for being patient
• Thank you for taking care of me
• Thank you for listening
• You are beautiful
• You are enough for what’s needed
• You are strong
• Your friendship means everything to me
• You are gracious
• You are kind
• Thank you for all the sacrifices you made for me
• Thank you for showing me love

“TAKE ACTION” Give one compliment to a stranger you pass by this week. Don’t be scared; it’s as simple as “What a cute dog!” or “I like your shoes!”

It’s interesting that the “take action” portion states “don’t be scared”.  This assumes that there is some deep-seated fear in giving praise or a compliment.  Again … a compliment is free, so why are we reluctant, or should I say that I am.  This doesn’t mean that I’m going to run out to the streets and start complimenting everyone for everything.  It does mean however that I need to look into myself to find out the reason why I don’t give them frequently.  Could it be rooted in my job, in that I have to work so hard before someone notices?  Do I sometimes feel that I’m alone, yes? Do I sometimes feel invisible … yes, but I know I’m not.

I know that deep down I’m heard, I’m noticed, and I’m appreciated, so that prompts me to give that love right back.  This is so important because often we don’t want to admit that other people’s happiness is rooted in our own.  I can’t be happy if you’re miserable, so if I need to give you a compliment … no matter how small to pull you up, then I’m here for you.

With that … I’ll close my post today.  Thanks so much for visiting my blog, and with each post in this series, I hope that I can bring some of my happiness to others, because if you have happiness in your heart, then you spread that happiness to others. The 52 List for Happiness: Weekly Journaling Inspiration for Positivity, Balance, and Joy is available on Amazon.  – [Know Thyself] Wye

[header photo | Moyo Studio + Creative Market | audio + Garage Band]