The gift that I want to give, more than ever at this time of my life , is the gift of
edifying
complimenting
saying
honoring
recognizing.
I say this not because I need it returned, but rather because it is freeing.
How does it sound?
What does it look like?
In no particular order…
‘you look great’
‘that looks amazing’
‘I love your house’
‘that means so much to me’
‘you are so talented’
‘that is so smart’
‘I could not have done it without your help’
‘I enjoy your blog so much’
‘thank you for your friendship’
Out of context, these statements sound gratuitous.
It doesn’t matter ‘how’ they sound.
It just matters that I say them.
***
I am linking to Emily’s
Just perfect. I agree. What a great way to honor those you know.
ReplyDeleteTo these ears...sounding off was never written sweeter.
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Second that, Laura - I think it's amazing how freeing it is. I find that the older I get, the less I think about pleasing myself and the more I want to honor and please others. When we're young, it's all about ME, as we mature, it slowly changes. Good post - thanks for the reminder!
ReplyDeleteThank you and I DO enjoy your thoughts and your blog. The more you give away, the more you have to keep :)
ReplyDeleteI love what Susan just said about the more you give away. This is what your post says to me.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Jane
Great post Laura. We are healthier and happier when we give and receive appreciation. I have always believed that you should thank everyone that contributes to your well-being and joy! I am thanking you now, dear friend! Your posts are always so rich and full of value.
ReplyDeleteHugs,
Nancy
My in-laws and I were just discussing the importance of honoring each other! Thank you for putting it in your post, and thanks again for honoring me!
ReplyDeleteYes! I love this Laura =))
ReplyDeletevery nice post Laura...I always enjoy your posts...
ReplyDeleteLaura,
ReplyDeleteI have never been to your blog and not left edified, uplifted or encouraged. You are that gift giver. Never doubt it.
I agree! I am so careful to try to be positive! We all need it and to give it is easy and from my heart! You are indeed a special person!!
ReplyDeleteMe too:) Words spoken can say so much, words unspoken can say so much! Big hugs!
ReplyDeleteIt takes so little to make a difference and acknowledging the sweetness in others is such a great way to make a difference! Thanks for your post!
ReplyDeleteThis is why I like people older than myself:) I think saying kind things shouldn't be so hard, yet people make it difficult. So, thank you Laura for being a bright spot on a cloudy day:)
ReplyDeleteI wholeheartedly agree! I used to be less giving with compliments when I was young - now I realize how much it matters and how blessed I am to be able to give them.
ReplyDeletexo
Claudia
I need to be more affirming...this was encouraging.
ReplyDeleteOh I so agree. It comes back to the old saying, If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. However, we really do need to say it not just think it. Great post. Thanks for the reminder. Hugs, Marty
ReplyDeleteI admire how well you express yourself and enjoy continuing to recognize so many valuable traits I see in you. Your kindness, thoughtfulness and sweetness show through your blog.
ReplyDeleteI am constantly amazed by all the positive feedback in this BlogWorld I am in. I have not run across any negative (or mean) bloggers...I am further amazed by the lack of jealousies here..those that promote others and are proud to show off their "friend's" stuff and ideas, rather than promoting themselves.
ReplyDeleteI always smile though when I think about the counterpart to the saying Marty (above) wrote...If you don't have anything nice to say...come and sit by me! lol
Wonderful post ~ Diana
You are always so positive, kind, and understanding. This post relects that.
ReplyDelete~~♥♥~~
olive
I read once that it takes 12 human touches each day to maintain one's sanity. I think that the words that we pour over others in love, must surely count as a human touch. Thanks for verbalizing the importance of lifting others up with encouragement. Cherry Kay
ReplyDeleteLove this post Laura....I strive to be like that as well. I know people who have a very difficult time giving a compliment and I have never been able to understand that! So glad I have you as my blogging friend!
ReplyDeleteHappy day!
xojanis
Laura honey your smile says it all.
ReplyDeleteI love coming by here to check on you
Love
Maggie
Sometimes I feel as if I run out of things to say. I get tired of saying, that is gorgeous or I love it! Then I remember that it is important for each person to hear something good and how much we all need and enjoy that. So, I loved this post!
ReplyDeleteWhat a *wonderful* gift to give! Love it! :)
ReplyDeleteYour inner beauty is showing. What a gift.
ReplyDeleteI love that little bird... balancing. I feel just like that.
Karen
Ladybug Creek
yes, I am not good at saying those things. I think them...but don't always say them. Thanks for the inspiration to give this gift to others more readily.
ReplyDeleteWhat goes without saying needs to be said.
ReplyDeleteThis is everything I feel about you, dear Laura! wonderful reminder! Hope you're having a great week!
ReplyDeletelove ya,
Debra
Beautiful post, Laura. I agree, it takes so little time and effort to pass on a compliment, but those words can mean the world. You exemplify all that you listed, Laura, Thanks for sharing your friendship. ~ Sarah
ReplyDeleteA kind word, sincerely spoken, may make a difference that the speaker may never understand.
ReplyDeleteWell said.
My latest post was about how I truly enjoy "giving" to others. Your post was lovely and so meaningful.
ReplyDeleteit's a wonderful thing to try to keep positive and live your life for others...because it certainly comes back to you :)
ReplyDeletewell said dear Laura!
Last year, I decided to just that and continue to now. I hope it makes the ones I meet day.
ReplyDeleteHave a great day!
Kim