Say something nice, you just may benefit
- col-dave-mast
- May 26, 2023
- 74
June 1 is a special day, not just because it’s my brother John’s birthday, but also because it’s National Say Something Nice Day.
Alright, if you think hard about this day, it shouldn’t really be necessary because every day should have this moniker attached to it, but it does serve as a great reminder that it’s important to share positive, uplifting moments with those we love and with whom we share our lives.
Now here’s the challenging part.
Anyone can fire off something nice to those they love. That’s easy, although chances are most of us still don’t do it enough.
What we need to do more of is find ways to uplift those we either don’t know or don’t particularly have a fondness for.
This is definitely taking a road far less traveled, but in the end it can have plenty of positive residual effects.
For one, when we do this, it really lifts our own spirits. Complimenting someone we don’t like much is really edifying.
But more importantly, saying something nice to someone you don’t get along with creates an avenue of reparation. Oftentimes, differences get in the way of people connecting, but compliments have a way of disarming one another and creating a space that can allow for growth and development.
Is it easy? Well, yes, giving a compliment is a fairly simple process. The harder part is following that up with doing it time and again until you’re able to break down barriers that stand in the way of improving a relationship.
It’s much like meeting strangers who wander into your church.
You could simply choose to ignore them. After all, those awkward pauses are so icky sometimes.
Or you could choose to do the nice thing, the right thing, and welcome them into the church with a hearty handshake, a welcoming word and a warm smile.
It just doesn’t take a lot to be nice to someone, regardless of how well you know them or what you think of them personally.
While the recipient of a kind word benefits greatly, kind words have an effect on everyone involved.
In other words giving compliments makes everyone better because it’s not just a one-way street. Sharing kind words has the potential to spread like the waves of a pebble tossed into a pond.
According to Leslie Brooks, a success mindset and habits coach, the benefits of saying something nice are exponential in the ability to improve life for both the giver and receiver of a compliment.
Compliments build up both parties’ confidence. When we show that we value someone, it helps them recognize the value within themselves.
Compliments spark creativity, encouraging both parties to share more.
Compliments build trust, with positive comments empowering the recipient to return the favor or pay it forward to someone else.
Compliments benefit the giver. We feel better because of the positive impact we can make on others, thus increasing our own confidence because we went out of our way and left our comfort zone thinking about someone else.
All of this leads to a more positive mindset about yourself and others. When we pay attention to the positive attributes of others, it promotes a selfless attitude in oneself.
Compliments increase intelligence.
This alone should be a banger of a reason to say something nice. Some studies have shown that compliments positively impact a person’s memory, motivation and other cognitive functions.
Bonus!
So the reasons to share good thoughts and words is priceless.
But where to begin?
There is great power in our words, and we have the choice to uplift someone or tear them down.
Here are some ready-made compliments you can use to say something nice to someone, no matter what the occasion.
You are more fun than anyone I know. You always make me laugh, in a good way. You are the most perfect you there is. You are one of the strongest people I know. You look great today. Your outlook on life is amazing. You are always so helpful. I appreciate our friendship. I love the way you bring out the best in people. Our family/school/community/church is better because you are part of it. You inspire me. I am a better person because of you. You are one of the bravest people I know. Everything seems brighter when you’re around. You are a great example to others. You’ve got great leadership skills. You’re a gift to everyone you meet. You have a gift for making people comfortable. I enjoy spending time with you. I appreciate your work ethic. I tell everyone how amazing you are.
The list is nearly endless, but what is most important is taking that first step, hopefully for no reason other than you want to be a good person.
Don’t wait for June 1 to roll around. Find someone and tell them something special about themselves today, something uplifting, powerful and edifying. Maybe one moment will turn into a lifetime of finding ways to bring joy into others’ lives while enhancing your own.
Happy birthday John. Your creativity is off the charts, and your faith makes me want to be stronger in mine every day.
And I’m not just saying that because it’s June 1!