 I always thought of Halloween as a chance to be something you didn’t normally get to be. Perhaps that is why there are so many princess and superhero costumes for Halloween. Now that I am older, I play the game, “What age would you like to be again?” Mostly, I hear people say they want the body they had at twenty but don’t want to relive any of their years again. Everything they learned brought them to the wonderful place they are today.
I am fascinated with time travel books but I don’t want a redo in my life either. If I didn’t go through some of the bad times, I wouldn’t be the strong person I am today. I have my secrets to hide. I have my cringe-worthy moments, and I had my growing up to do. But if I could go back in time, I would like to give myself a hug. I would tell her to relax a bit- that things will all work out just fine. I know what my younger self would do. She wouldn’t believe a word of it. She would take that pretty princess gown and stomp on it. (After secretly holding it up to herself in the mirror.) She would glare at me and tell me to get out of her way- she had places to go and things to do. Maybe, I should bring her a super hero costume. She is going to need it.  Someone complimented me recently. It wasn’t about my outfit, my looks, my food, or anything else that really doesn’t matter. They complimented me on my writing. The fastest way to someone’s heart is through honest praise. The best way to compliment me is to praise my family or my competence- especially my writing.
I admit, I can hold that compliment close and replay it in my head or reread it over and over again. I am hungry for it and wish the taste would last forever. I can’t believe I am alone or uniquely needy. Everyone loves praise. Praise is endearing. Why wouldn’t I want people to feel good about themselves and feel good about me for giving that pleasure? Why then, is it hard to find a way to remember to praise others? Why do I stop with one sentence when I could make it a full course banquet by adding one or two more sentences? Now is the time to compliment. To quote Ken Blanchard author of, The One Minute Manager, we need to “catch people doing something right” and let them know it. I’m going to try a little harder. Maybe I will be complimented on my efforts! |
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