The power of a compliment

My mom & me at Disneyland

There are some lessons in life that make you a better person. 

Here's mine...

Apparently when I was little, I didn't give compliments. Granted, I enjoyed receiving them, but I never gave them. One day my mom said, "Faith, you don't give compliments to people. Do you like things or notice things?" Of course I did. She went on, "...well then, I want you to give at least one compliment a day."

Such a simple, yet profound lesson. From that lesson, I made a conscious effort to give one compliment a day. It was easier to compliment people I knew. Eventually, however, I found myself complimenting strangers. I remember walking out of a store and the windows were spotless. Not a fingerprint in sight! I appreciate cleanliness, believe me, and at a busy store, well, that is just unheard of. There was an employee cleaning the glass and I stopped and mentioned, "It looks good. Nice job." I felt a little nervous, but once I saw the employee smile back at me I realized compliments are a great way to feel connected. Family, friends, strangers...we all like a compliment now and then. To this day, I find myself commenting on something I notice and it feels good to make a meaningful connection with another person, even for a brief moment.

The power of a compliment.

Little things make a big difference

Growing up my mom placed an emphasis on Fridays. In my school lunch I'd find a Little Debbie snack with a handwritten note on it, "Happy Fun Friday! I love you! -Mom." Talk about brightening up my day! Even now my mom will ask, "What are you doing for Fun Friday?"

As an adult, I realize the importance of making at least one day or moment extra special. The weeks are filled with so much responsibility and decision-making that it is essential to bring a little joy into the day...otherwise we may all burnout.

Peanut Butter Cupcake by Cupcake Delirium

Last night I was working late at the office. Before I left, spontaneity hit me and I quickly developed a little scavenger hunt to greet my office assistant when she arrived this morning (thankfully earlier in the day I got a pack of cupcakes from a nearby cupcake truck so I made one of them the "treasure"). It took me just a few minutes to think of some clever clues and where to hide them...I was definitely having a good time. When my assistant arrived today she was completely surprised! It was a great change to the typical workday and it lifted her spirits.