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You are here: Home / Miscellany / Just Say It

Just Say It

February 8, 2010 By Stephanie

Do you ever think amazing compliments about people and not say them?

Like, for example, you’ll walk by somebody on the street or run into a neighbor or read someone’s blog…and THINK…

“Wow! She has the warmest, prettiest smile.” (That’s Stephanie of Adventures in Babywearing)

Just Say It 1

Or “She totally has the gift of encouragement.” (That’s Nini of Lettner Livin‘)

Just Say It 2

Or “Oh.My.Goodness. Is it even possible for someone to be more creative than her? She astonishes me.” (That’s Dana of MADE)

Just Say It 3

Or “Mercy! She has a way with words!” (That’s Sarah of Emerging Mummy)

Just Say It 4

Or, “Her sense of style has cool written all over it.” (That’s Leigh of Marvelous Kiddo)

Just Say It 5

Or, “She is thoughtful…ever so thoughtful…and she gives from her heart.” (That’s Nicole of The Pixel Boutique and Confessions of a Cropaholic)

Just Say It 6

Lately, I’ve been trying to remember to “just say it.” Out Loud.

Whenever someone or something strikes me as being beautiful, extraordinary, or sublime – I don’t want that little nugget of goodwill to be lost. Because I know that…”kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless” (Mother Teresa).

So…if you like a person’s yellow jacket or their sparkly teeth or their radiant personality, say so. If you notice a person’s gentle parenting techniques or spotless bathrooms or humility, stop and use your words (not just your mind).

Let’s fill this world with endless echoes of kindness. You with me?

Filed Under: Miscellany Tagged With: mother teresa

Comments

  1. leigh says

    February 22, 2010 at 6:15 am

    that just made my day. thank you!

  2. Nicole Feliciano says

    February 11, 2010 at 11:01 pm

    You are so inspiring–always thinking of ways to give back.

  3. dana says

    February 11, 2010 at 1:16 am

    what a cute post. Thanks Stephanie :)

  4. Michelle Smiles says

    February 10, 2010 at 11:24 am

    I’m so bad at this. I think those things all of the time but don’t say them out loud often enough. I don’t know why because when someone else says something like that to me, it makes my day.

    I’ll start now:

    Stephanie – you seem like an amazing mom. So hands on and involved and creative.

  5. Ashley says

    February 10, 2010 at 9:26 am

    Receiving a compliment totally brightens my day, that’s why I love to comment and compliment whenever I can. I especially like to encourage moms that are out and about with their kiddos. I remember one day in Target, when my daughter was acting a bit naughty and a stranger told me that I was handling the situation wonderfully and to keep up the great work. It totally helped me to take a deep breath and let the moment pass.

    Great post!

  6. designHer Momma says

    February 10, 2010 at 8:49 am

    This is such an inspiring post – it is good to say it out loud.

  7. Blessed says

    February 10, 2010 at 6:56 am

    You are brilliant with words lady – I love this post because it speaks absolute truth in such a lovely way.

    I try to be intentional with compliments and I endeavor to pass them out freely. It’s how my dad operates and something we heard at home often – keep criticism to yourself until you can find a constructive, kind way to deliver it but pass out compliments the minute they cross your mind.

  8. Keith Wilcox says

    February 9, 2010 at 11:21 pm

    One time. I did it on one significant enough to remember occasion. There was this lady in downtown dallas who I swear had the prettiest face I’ve ever seen — ever, magazines and movies included. I had to tell her so I did. I just said it and kept walking before she thought I was weird or some sort of creep.

  9. Cindi says

    February 9, 2010 at 10:47 pm

    I am totally with you! The words we say to one another can positively effect them for the rest
    of their life…..Cindi

  10. Our Green Nest says

    February 9, 2010 at 7:36 pm

    Love this and it’s definitely something I need to do more!! Thanks for the reminder Stephanie!

  11. KellieS says

    February 9, 2010 at 7:35 pm

    We have so much power to change someone’s day (or life for that matter) with just one sentence. I love this post, Steph. I hope you will participate in the LOVE LINK I sent to you and posted on my site.

  12. Soni says

    February 9, 2010 at 7:27 pm

    I love Mother Theresa, too, she has an appropriate quote for every occasion. Good post!

  13. Becca - Our Crazy Boys says

    February 9, 2010 at 5:07 pm

    YOU are so sweet to honor your friends with a post like this.

    :)

  14. RetroGirl says

    February 9, 2010 at 4:21 pm

    If more people would just do this every day, it would foster a world of kindness and compassion. You never know what is going on in someone’s life at that moment, or their heart…and a kind comment might really mean A LOT and go a LONG way. Especially to those you know only in passing…they may really be in need of a human connection with another person, even if something very small…so this is a beautiful idea! I hope everyone gives it a sincere try! Love your blog! Am a new reader and am glad I found you!

  15. Brie says

    February 9, 2010 at 2:47 pm

    Here! Here Stephanie! There are too many times that I am guilty of this too. Thanks for the reminder.

  16. Adventures In Babywearing says

    February 9, 2010 at 2:34 pm

    Oh my thank you!!! I know just what you mean. Yes.

    Steph

  17. Sarah@EmergingMummy says

    February 9, 2010 at 2:28 pm

    Oh, Stephanie…I’m a little overwhelmed (and weepy. Can I be honest? Actually weepy.). Thank you so much. I feel so small and insignificant, just writing about what I love or find interesting so to be up there, next to all of these women that I so admire, noticed by a woman that I respect and admire (yourself) well – it’s a good good day.

    Love you, friend.

  18. Casual Friday Every Day says

    February 9, 2010 at 1:54 pm

    Much of the time, if I think it I say it. I’m totally uncensored, which is both good and bad ;)

    Nell

  19. Blessing says

    February 9, 2010 at 11:40 am

    I am giving someone a compliment today!!!!

    Please visit my website to for an easy and quick giveaway.

    Win a Free Rainbow Brite Adventure Pack for your child today – Visit

    http://www.safehomehappymom.com/2010/02/rainbow-brite-adventure-pack-review.html

  20. Marcela says

    February 9, 2010 at 10:10 am

    All these ladies are great!

    I think giving someone a compliment means so much. It really can make someone’s day.

    It’s important to also teach our kids this. I remind my son on his way to school to “tell someone something nice today”. His teacher’s pretty skirt, the girl’s pencil next to him, a friend’s new glasses or haircut.

    I love coming to your blog Stephanie, it really makes me feel good!

  21. Katelyn says

    February 9, 2010 at 8:18 am

    I really like this idea.

    Last week I had a moment where I had a very clear understanding of how lucky and grateful I am to have my mother as my mother. We have a good relationship and I frequently tell her I love her, but I don’t tell her very often how much I appreciate the effort she put into raising me. So I walked around for two days with this thought in my head before writing it into a card and mailing it to her. I could have easily called her but for some reason the card just felt more personal at the time.

    Thank you for this reminder to share our warm thoughts with others.

  22. Nicole says

    February 9, 2010 at 7:52 am

    Aw…you’re so sweet!

    I am SO guilty of this. Being a little on the reserved side, I hesitate in saying “love the skirt” or “your smile is so great” or “have you lost weight??” in fear of people feeling embarrassed, or me feeling embarrassed or…I dont know…just fear? But who DOESN’T love to hear a kind word? I know I do!

    BTW, were your ears ringing this weekend? Darcie and I were talking about how we love the way you share your opinion so honestly yet so graciously on your blog. You have a real knack for that! Just thought I’d “say it”. Out loud! ;)

  23. Liz says

    February 9, 2010 at 7:33 am

    Beautiful Stephanie, and well said! This is something I always strive for.

  24. Camille says

    February 9, 2010 at 6:48 am

    Stephanie, you are so resourceful, kind, intelligent, and thoughtful. I don’t know how you balance everything! This isn’t a compliment shared only because of your post, it’s just the perfect timing to tell you! :)

    And oddly enough, I just posted a cute video about this exact thing yesterday! http://www.makeitworkmom.com/?p=2307
    We’re on the same wavelength! :)

  25. Sheena says

    February 8, 2010 at 11:30 pm

    And when someone “says it” to you, let them know how much you appreciate it.

    Great post :).

  26. Broccoli Cupcake says

    February 8, 2010 at 11:24 pm

    I love the message and the post. Creative and encouraging. Thank you!

  27. Susan (5 Minutes for Mom) says

    February 8, 2010 at 11:17 pm

    What a beautiful post! I love complimenting people and I do so very often. But I’m sure there are lots of times when I don’t make the effort to do so… especially online. It’s easier in person, b/c you just have to open your mouth. But online, you need to take an extra step.

  28. Madeline says

    February 8, 2010 at 11:15 pm

    I’m definitely with you on this one. Being given a genuine compliment is so uplifting, so it only makes sense to share them when you think them about others.

  29. Nini Lettner says

    February 8, 2010 at 11:06 pm

    Okay, so you just made me tear up. Thanks! I needed that tonight! When I saw the title of this post it made me happy because I have been trying to be intentional in speaking my compliments out loud. I told a gal at the market that I thought she was so pretty and that it wasn’t just the fact that she was beautiful, but that she was genuinely interested and engaging with the customers…so I told her not to think I was weird, but that I just wanted her to know it :) In the past few years I have also been trying to make an effort to actually pray for people on the spot rather than saying, “I’ll pray for you”…cause I don’t want to be all words, I want to act as well. So, if I find myself thinking, ‘I will pray for you’, instead I say, “can I pray for you right now?” It doesn’t happen all the time, I’m trying.

    I also know you most likely will get heaps of compliments on how amazing you are, but I won’t let that stop me: YOU ARE AMAZING! You are inspiring and insightful and encouraging. I look forward to the day (whenever that may be) that we get to sit and have a cup of tea together! Thanks again Stephanie!!

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