Ever notice that when someone gives you a compliment, you feel really good...sometimes for days. I know that a compliment will make me hop higher than normal...putting a real bounce in my step, so to speak. I mention this because today is National Compliment Day.
Compliments has a positive and energizing effect on everyone. They can instill confidence or validate our hard work. Not only do compliments improve the receiver's mood, but they say a lot about the giver, as well. But, as you know, compliments must be sincere. Humans have a way of knowing when you fake a compliment. Receiving an insincere compliment is worse than getting a thoughtless birthday gift.
And did you know that complimenting a character trait rather than, say, a great outfit, offers a different reward? One says you respect the person while the other tells them that you see them and have paid attention. Both are necessary. We all want to be seen and valued for who we are and what we do.
Kathy Chamberlain of Hopkinton, New Hampshire and Debbie Hoffman of Concord, New Hampshire created National Compliment Day in 1998. And I, for one, am so glad they did! Psychology Today says that compliments are an extraordinary component of social life; when given with sincerity they create so much positive energy that they can make almost anything seem possible, as if by magic.
Compliments arise out of taking notice of praise-worthy efforts and situations. They are a mark of awareness and consciousness. Both frogs and humans derive benefit from being the object of a compliment. Compliments make us strive to do more of what brings us praise from others. Focusing on the good things, and people, around us can be a real mood-elevator, as well. Compliments act as a kind of cognitive training...a training of our attention. But compliments don't just benefit the receiver.
The giver of the compliment gets a boost of happiness, as well. I've mentioned time and again, making others feel good is the best way to make ourselves feel good. Happiness is contagious. Humans have a tendency to think other humans are mind-readers. But just because you think something about another, doesn't mean that they know it. That's why giving compliments mean so much. Actions may speak louder than words, but in the case of compliments, words speak volumes. So speak up! Tell someone you think they're smart, well-dressed, funny, etc. Go ahead! Spread some happiness. You'll get more of it back than you can possibly imagine.
I like to think of compliments as little gifts of love. They are not asked for or demanded. Most often, they're not even expected. They tell a person they're worthy of being noticed. For me, anyway, a compliment that come from a total stranger can mean more than the one coming from a friend or family member. But all compliments are good, as long as they are honest and from the heart...just like any other gift we give.
Be generous with your compliments today. Tell the grocery store checker they did an an awesome job. And tell your sister that you've been meaning to compliment her new hairdo. And don't forget your boss. Be sure and tell him, or her, that you appreciate what they do. I love to receive compliments. We all do. But I'm guilty of not giving as many as I might. I often think nice things about others, but don't always verbalize them. But that will change, beginning today. How about you? Do you give compliments? If not, this is the day to start. See if you don't have one of your best days ever.
And have I told you lately how much I appreciate that you take the time to read my blog? Well, I do!
Compliments has a positive and energizing effect on everyone. They can instill confidence or validate our hard work. Not only do compliments improve the receiver's mood, but they say a lot about the giver, as well. But, as you know, compliments must be sincere. Humans have a way of knowing when you fake a compliment. Receiving an insincere compliment is worse than getting a thoughtless birthday gift.
And did you know that complimenting a character trait rather than, say, a great outfit, offers a different reward? One says you respect the person while the other tells them that you see them and have paid attention. Both are necessary. We all want to be seen and valued for who we are and what we do.
Kathy Chamberlain of Hopkinton, New Hampshire and Debbie Hoffman of Concord, New Hampshire created National Compliment Day in 1998. And I, for one, am so glad they did! Psychology Today says that compliments are an extraordinary component of social life; when given with sincerity they create so much positive energy that they can make almost anything seem possible, as if by magic.
Compliments arise out of taking notice of praise-worthy efforts and situations. They are a mark of awareness and consciousness. Both frogs and humans derive benefit from being the object of a compliment. Compliments make us strive to do more of what brings us praise from others. Focusing on the good things, and people, around us can be a real mood-elevator, as well. Compliments act as a kind of cognitive training...a training of our attention. But compliments don't just benefit the receiver.
The giver of the compliment gets a boost of happiness, as well. I've mentioned time and again, making others feel good is the best way to make ourselves feel good. Happiness is contagious. Humans have a tendency to think other humans are mind-readers. But just because you think something about another, doesn't mean that they know it. That's why giving compliments mean so much. Actions may speak louder than words, but in the case of compliments, words speak volumes. So speak up! Tell someone you think they're smart, well-dressed, funny, etc. Go ahead! Spread some happiness. You'll get more of it back than you can possibly imagine.
I like to think of compliments as little gifts of love. They are not asked for or demanded. Most often, they're not even expected. They tell a person they're worthy of being noticed. For me, anyway, a compliment that come from a total stranger can mean more than the one coming from a friend or family member. But all compliments are good, as long as they are honest and from the heart...just like any other gift we give.
Be generous with your compliments today. Tell the grocery store checker they did an an awesome job. And tell your sister that you've been meaning to compliment her new hairdo. And don't forget your boss. Be sure and tell him, or her, that you appreciate what they do. I love to receive compliments. We all do. But I'm guilty of not giving as many as I might. I often think nice things about others, but don't always verbalize them. But that will change, beginning today. How about you? Do you give compliments? If not, this is the day to start. See if you don't have one of your best days ever.
And have I told you lately how much I appreciate that you take the time to read my blog? Well, I do!
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