Compliments to Strangers-A Little Kindness Goes A Long Way

 

Woman holding a flower out
I know I’m incredibly lucky in so many ways: I have a strong, supportive, wise and loving husband; the smartest, fun and most encouraging folks you could ever wish for, and a big group of fiercely bright and brilliant female friends (and one male bestie too of course-Will, you rock).

My mates range from those I’ve known since childhood and uni, to many I’ve met thanks to blogging: all sisters from other misters, Will being my brother from another mother of course, and together we help one another feel our very best, inspiring, entertaining (how I love girly nights out) and keeping each other motivated, loved and happy.

Real friendship is priceless isn’t it?!

We always compliment and support one another, and I always feel my most empowered and confident thanks to those very important people in my life.

They ground me and nothing makes me more content than hanging out with those that really ‘get me’ and me, them.

I have to say, I find it so utterly sad when women struggle to see the good in others, often due to their own insecurities or jealousy, leading to the incessant pursuit of tearing one another down.

I’m pretty good at cutting those kinds of negative, energy zappers out of my life and having kids and limited time I’ve found, really sorts the wheat from the chaff.

My Mum always says, ‘kill them kindness’ when it comes to the ‘not so nice’ folks out there. She’s right. Don’t let anyone stop you from shining, people.

..I do think seeing the good in others and actively complimenting them on their achievements, looks, way of life, makes you in turn feel better about yourself but like anything, it can take some practice.

I know it’s ‘normal’ for me to compliment and build others up, but I have friends who’ve told me, heartbreakingly, that they were rarely complimented on as a child or made to feel worthy, and it’s taken them a long time to relearn how to feel good about themselves or have the confidence to compliment others.

I’ve never been a bitchy person, with strong female, and male role models around me, I was taught and shown by example from a young age, the importance of respecting yourself and others, self belief, solidarity and being kind.

I was also told I could do and be anything I set my heart on, and I realise that’s incredibly liberating too.

We’re all human of course, we have the bad days with the good and envy is normal and natural, but it’s really about working towards feeling you’re enough, because you really are, being confident in your own skin and simply trying your best.

I’m a confident girl (most of the time, I still get nervous before posting pictures of myself online and always hate that first view of myself on camera) but I deal with it, and I’m happy with my lot, how I look, and what I’m doing with my life.

Yet it’s still so lovely when randoms offer kind words.

I won’t lie, it’s flattering to receive male attention, and as a Mum of two it can be quite the confidence boost, but it’s the compliments from other women that mean the most to me.

The other day, a group of ladies in a train bathroom, strangers, told me I was beautiful and had amazing hair. How nice is that?

I always give compliments to others too and often smile at strangers. Not everyone reciprocates but happiness really does breed happiness, so keep smiling I say.

With all this in mind, I’m launching a little movement with the hashtag #complimentstostrangers, a chance for all of us to compliment others and of course do small, random acts of kindness that we’ll then share on social media encouraging others to follow suit, making the world a little bit lovelier.

On Sunday, a lady in the queue in Sainsbury’s gave me a £8 off voucher and a handsome police officer told me I was hot the other night (I’ve still not told my husband).

I also met a stunning, sweet couple on a train to Manchester last week, who were in their mid 70’s but looked much younger and when I told them so, it seemed to make their day.

I gave them my business card before I left and they sent me an email afterwards to thank me for the compliments, despite only recently getting to grips with technology. How touching is that?

Sometimes these small words/acts can really make a huge difference to others, and ourselves too.

A little kindness goes a long way! Yay!

I really hope you’ll join me with #complimentstostrangers x

Photo by averie woodard on Unsplash

 

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