unusual Year's Resolutions. Not. They have never been my thing.
Words have worked. delight. Trust. Mostly delight.
But,I've been noodling over this thought that was planted in my head recently by I-wish-I-remembered-who! Was it a blogger? Probably. If it's YOU, claim it in the comments here, and will you?
The idea was that when you encounter people (friends,loved ones, strangers) and find yourself thinking something complimentary about them, and SPEAK IT ALOUD TO THEM.
While Christmas shopping,I found myself pulling open the door to Panera, close behind another women who had the most beautiful colored coat on. I don't remember the color now, and the color isn't what's well-known. It's what I did next that's well-known. I touched her shoulder and said,"I esteem your coat. The color is gorgeous!" She smiled and thanked me. But as she turned away, I saw that her smile stayed. It cost me nothing. We both moved through the door together. No time was lost. So, or why don't I finish this all the time?
I know most of the cashiers at my neighborhood grocery store -- even though I tend to go through the self check-out line. But on this particular day,there was a unusual cashier, and I went through her line. And then I saw... her fingernails. I don't remember the design now, or but the design isn't what's well-known. It's what I did next that's well-known. As she scanned my groceries,I said, "Your nails are beautiful!" She smiled, and told me a fable about them. It cost me nothing. I stood still directly in front of her while she did her job. No time was lost. Why don't I finish this all the time?
"Sir... the black stripe in your scarfreally brings out your beautiful charcoal eyes!"
[The picture may be a bit of a *wink*,but the sentiment of this post is honest!]
Both of the moments that I mentioned were just a small connection. It's not likely that I will speak with these women again -- or maybe I will. But did you notice? Neither of the "connections" took any additional time. So why don't I finish this all the time?
Please know that I am not trying to "toot my own horn." Rather, I am trying to plant a thought in your head. WHAT IF. What if when we found ourselves thinking a kind thought about someone, and we expressed it? What finish we have to lose? -- and more importantly,what would the person receiving our comment gain?
How far would this puny task go in building people up and encouraging them?
I guess we'll never know unless we try.
My plan for 2015, is to try HARDER. Will you join me?
Feel free to report back if you have fascinating results!
[Linking up to Share Your Cup Thursday.]
Source: blogspot.com