Last week, I was on my own for dinner. So on my Zumba night, I planned to go to the class and then head to a drive-thru for a burger and fries. Ahem - because calories from burger and fries would have already been burned off, right??! But I never got that burger and fries.
As I was walking out from Zumba, a lady I didn't know told me that she had noticed I lost weight. She had been attending the class for a month or so. To be fair, my weight didn't change much over the past month, though it seems that my middle has slimmed a bit. We chatted on our way out and I headed for my car...standing a little straighter, taller, with my head held a little higher. A stranger had taken the time to tell me that she noticed I lost weight!
I had been working hard that week exercising and felt like maybe my efforts really were worthwhile. I still headed for a drive-thru, but instead of a burger and fries I had a salad and diet soda {I do know that diet sodas aren't actually healthy, in case you were wondering :) }. And I kept exercising as much as I could the rest of the week! One stranger's compliment changed my behavior and attitude!
I couldn't resist pulling this pic out of the archives! I just want you to think of it as Kathy, Kim, and me giving YOU a thumbs up today - because you ROCK!
In blogging, we often talk about the power of our words and how we should remember that when we are writing. In fact, comments are the compliments of the blogosphere. But what about in our everyday "real" lives? Do we give out compliments? I have to admit, I fall very short in this area! I "think" compliments in my head ALL the time - her new haircut is really cute; I love that outfit on her; she is such a good cook; I admire her dedication to family; etc. But I don't say these things out loud!! Shame on me!
The lady that complimented me had no idea that her words would make any kind of difference in how my day went - and she will probably never know that. We may never know the result of our kind words and compliments, but we should give them out freely anyway!
Let's try to give out a few compliments today! You never know what might happen!
Have you been affected by someone's compliment? Do you make it a habit to give compliments?
By the way, you have a lovely smile - you should wear it more often. :)
Have a blessed day my sweet friends!!
Words ARE so very powerful. I try to have positive things come out of my mouth. And I will usually try to give compliments when I'm out and about. I can even tell when a compliment blesses my children as I tell them how wonderful their project is or how well they dressed themselves today. A little effort goes a long way.
ReplyDeleteBig I did this just yesterday when I told you the picture of you was pretty size hugs to you!
Oh and the picture is cracking me up!
ReplyDeleteI am so bad at saying compliments out loud too. Thanks for the reminder/challenge.
ReplyDeleteThis is such a good reminder. Who doesn't like to hear a compliment? i sure do. I need to be passing them out as well. Thanks, Lisa!
ReplyDeleteLisa,
ReplyDeleteThis is such a wonderful post. Sometimes few words can really help us to reach further and affirm someone.
Great post and great reminder. I try to express compliments to those around me, but sometimes get so focused on my own "stuff" whatever that is, that I don't even think about it. So thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDelete