I Love What You Are Doing

Beautiful Things Grow from Fertile Ground
Beautiful Things Grow from Fertile Ground

“I will be generous with my love today. I will sprinkle compliments and uplifting words everywhere I go. I will do this knowing that my words are like seeds and when they fall on fertile soil, a reflection of those seeds will grow into something greater.”
Steve Maraboli, Life, the Truth, and Being Free

I made a couple of small speeches over the weekend. Nothing big. I had prepared for them, written them myself and got through both events with a little help from above.

Apparently my words touched a few people because I got some really good, squeezy hugs from my friends. And one of my dearest friends actually crossed a room to get to me. He made my day when he told me how much what I said meant to him.

I can sometimes tell exactly where people are in their mental and emotional state just by how many compliments they give. People who are not in a good place will likely not give compliments. How do I know this? I was one of those people.

When I was jealous, I did not give compliments. When I was stressed and overworked, I did not want to see someone else full of spirituality and grace. This actually would tick me off. How dare they be in such a good place when my life was such a challenge?

What I realized is the path into the light includes compliments. You just can’t get around it. When I look at others through my spiritual lenses, they are a child of God. I see their attributes, not necessarily their faults. If I see their faults, they are masked by the person’s own hidden potential.

And so I compliment. Nothing phony. The real thing. You look lovely today. I love what you are doing- you are an instrument of God’s great love. When I say it I mean it.

And, I try and be a good compliment taker. In other words, when you compliment me I will hopefully say thank you. I will smile at you. You will probably make my day.

What kind of person do I want to be? I want to be the kind of person who is happy for others. For what they have accomplished and what they feel good about. I want to take those good points and bring them out into the light. There they will gather speed and bring more good light into the world.

“You are the Light of the World” Matthew 4: 14-16

(Pay a compliment to someone today!)

How do you feel about compliments? How do you feel when someone compliments you?

It's nice to share. Thank you.

15 Replies to “I Love What You Are Doing”

  1. Compliments make me feel good…even when I doubt they are sincere! Ha ha. You know that tone of voice…anyway, I probably don’t compliment people as often as I should. I may think them, but not say them. Why do I do that?
    Here is a sincere one for you: You inspire me. You amaze me. I am proud to call you friend. Ok that was 3…and I mean them!
    Have a good day!

    1. I admire you for what you are doing with your grandchildren. I am in awe of how you have taken that on!
      Thank you for your beautiful compliments and all your encouragement on this blog.
      You mean much to me!
      xo Joanne

  2. Here’s my compliment: Of all the posts emailed to me this morning, just seeing yours pop up brought a smile to my face. “Oh, I like Joanne,” I said in my heart and came to read what you had written first. 🙂 Much love, Peg

    1. Hello Peg!
      Thank you for your beautiful compliment. My heart does a little song when a fellow blogger encourages me like that!
      I love your blog as well. I follow you on Facebook and your poetry never fails to inspire me.
      Keep writing!
      xo Joanne

  3. I was always one for giving compliments to others. I think it’s because I knew how wonderful it felt to be noticed or appreciated in some way, especially when we don’t feel that wonderful or beautiful or appreciated. I’ve learned to take compliments well, too. Like you, Joanne, I’ve come to understand that love is give AND take…a flow if you will. Though I will admit that at times when complimented I find the old self trying to tone down the compliment. But I catch myself and say ‘Thank You” like I mean it…and I do.

    Beautiful post, as always. Something to truly consider next time we go “out into the world”.

    You are a beautiful woman, and I wish you many blessings.
    Marianne

    1. Hello Marianne,
      I love your thoughtful comments. I am glad you believe in compliments too and likening LOVE to a flow is a lovely way of expressing it.
      Blessings to you. I hope all is well and things have cooled off a bit in your neck of the woods!
      xo Joanne

  4. Hi Joanne, I just happened to hear one of your little speeches over the weekend! I am very happy I finally had the opportunity to hear you speak! Your words were very inspirational, and I believe each & every one of us in that room felt very grateful that you shared your wisdom. I believe compliments are very important little acts of kindness. They usually make a positive difference in how people think about themselves, and they are easy to give!

    1. Hi Cindy,
      I am glad you were there and it is always a pleasure to spend time with all my friends in such a good way.
      Thank you so much for being a loyal reader and encouraging me in my story telling.
      It is much appreciated!
      Joanne

  5. Joanne, this is a great post! Compliments are much easier for me to give than receive. It gives me great pleasure to compliment others, but it makes me squirm when I receive them. One more thing to work on. Sigh. 😉
    Congrats on the speeches, too! That’s really neat you are getting to share your wisdom in person!

    1. HI Denise,
      Yes, speaking is good for me. I like to share experience, strength, & hope to others who are looking for some peace and serenity.
      Blessings to you. Your blog is beautiful and a great source of beauty for me and I am sure, many others.
      xo Joanne

  6. Joanne, I’m not sure how I found your blog but I decided to follow at some point. I enjoy what you share and it hits home and gets me to some serenity in this busy world. Glad you can share your experience, strength and hope with others also……I think I know where you get part of your spirituality and that makes me smile.

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