“Every Day, Tell at Least One Person Something You Like, Admire, or Appreciate about
Them.” #46 ~ Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff by Richard Carlson
Such an easy thing. Appreciating someone else. And it can make such a difference in that person’s day. It can even make a difference in that person’s life. I read a story one time about a young man who had been bullied and made fun of at school, and one girl had the courage to go up to him after school and say something about how she was impressed with how smart he was in math. To make a long story short, he became a great success and had a very positive impact on many lives, but he told in his story that the day that girl complimented him, he had been making plans to commit suicide.
He had a gun waiting at home. She changed the course of his life and many other lives by taking the time and having the heart to be an encourager. In a midlife divorce recovery journey we are often inundated by our own problems. Our plates are full of discouragements of our own. But the really cool truth is, when we reach out to someone else to build them up, it is good for us too. There is healing in helping others. Try it. It is absolutely true.
Just this morning, a R.A.D.I.C.A.L. Woman who has recently gone through a midlife divorce called me. She told me about several other women she had come in contact with who are facing a heart-wrenching midlife divorce. She wants to help them get on the road to recovery. That kind of generous heart will bring as many blessings to her as it will bring to those she will help. When we understand that truth, our lives will shine like never before! Just put the suggestion above into practice today and as Dr. Carlson suggests, tell someone something you like, admire or appreciate about him or her. See how that makes you feel. And remember, what you plant, you will reap. That is an absolute unchanging law of the universe. Plant the seeds of goodness, kindness and an appreciative heart and see the “flowers” bloom!
“Don’t just pretend that you love others. Really love them. Hate what is wrong. Stand on the side of the good. Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.” Romans 12:9-10 (The Living Bible)
