Saturday, June 25, 2011

Pay It Forward With Compliments

Paying it forward usually relates to good deeds, as in a good deed done for someone and then another done for someone else.

What about paying it forward with compliments?

I don't know what's come over me, but I'm really into giving compliments these days.  If I see something nice about someone or something, whether it be something they're wearing, something nice they've done or just a nice smile on their face, I don't keep it to myself.  I've just got to mention it...to them!  I just can't let the moment go by.

It's been happening a lot at work lately.  For those who've just tuned in, I work about 20 hrs a week at a local Starbucks so it's really an ideal place for connecting with people...in fact, it's part of the job.  About 85% of our customers are regulars so I actually enjoy seeing them, continuing conversations and just joking around with them. I actually can't believe I'm saying this as in the past there was nothing worse than customer service in my mind.  How things change when you need dental benefits!

Where was I going with this?  Oh, yah...compliments, not letting moments go by...

It all started one night when an older lady came in to work...I'd say she was in her late 60s, early 70s...and she was/is the fittest woman of that age I've ever seen!  At first I didn't say anything, just your basic chit chat, then she went over to put cream in her coffee.  These days I really take notice of someone (especially women) who are fit because I'm struggling with fitness, wanting it to become a regular part of my life, yet not liking it all that much.

So I just HAD to say something to her.  I mean, she really looks great!  So I went up and asked her if she was a runner.  Of course she said yes.  I proceeded to let her know how great I thought she looked and that she was what I aspire to be.  Well, at least aspire to look like.  She could be a crazy person for all I know and in that case, forget about it!  But I don't think so.  I think she's a sweet and confident older lady who after spending years looking after the wants and needs of others, she now really cares for herself.  Something I struggle with daily.  She was so chuffed.  She thanked me for making her day.  She felt good and so did I.

It happened again not long after that...the same sort of genuine connection.  This time with a cute, old Greek lady (why they're all old ladies, I have no idea) who I started out talking about the weather with and ended up tearing up because of her thoughts on the awfulness of racism and how my darkest side is no more dark than her own, etc. She was so lovely and I told her so.

The compliments came back to me a couple nights later when talking with a guy about music ended up with him saying I was so much younger than he was, to which I asked him when he graduated from high school and I had 11 years on him!  He was generally taken aback and with widened eyes and a loud voice said (and I quote) "GET THE @#$! OUT OF HERE!"  Now that felt good..

My latest compliment came by way of  Bring Mommy The Vodka who gave me The Sunshine Blogger Award!


Thank you, Sarah!  Just when you think no one reads your blog...

And now for my acceptance speech (of sorts)...here are a few things you don't know about me:

1) I'm not much of a baker.  I tend to take the easy way out, opting for Duncan Hines before scratch.  These days I even make chocolate chip cookies from a mix 'cuz I can't have chocolate chips in the house or they won't make it to the bowl.

2) Dangerous Liasons with Glenn Close and John Malkovich is my all-time fave movie.

3) I knit...well, I can knit.  Every year I want to take a sock-making class and knit everyone socks for Christmas.  Maybe this year will be the year!

4) I used to be quite shy until one day I decided enough was enough and I was missing out on too many things.  It was as simple as that.  Now if I can only do that with exercise!

5) I like lizards and geckos and wouldn't mind having one as a pet.

Now I'm going to "pay it forward" and give a shout out and the Sunshine Award to some blogs that I enjoy.

1) The Mommy Therapy
2) The Surburban Princess Diaries
3) Wendy Can't Cook
4) Buried With Children
5) Hair Bows & Guitar Picks
6) The Good, The Bad, & The Family

So there you have it.  Wow, that was a long post.  And it only took 3 days to get done.  Wonder why that is? 

Also, make sure to check out these fabulous blogs by these fabulous mums! 

6 comments:

The Good, The Bad, & The Family said...

Why thank you mama! I DO know why it took so long! My latest post took me 3 hours between kids, cleaning, cooking, etc.! Boys keep ya busy! Thanks for the award and I already have it posted on my blog! Sending big hugs and thanks!

Margaret (@goodbadfamily)

Hair Bows & Guitar Picks said...

Thank you so much for the shout out! I work one or two nights a week ina lovcal pizza joint and I love the connections I have made with the guests...I think that's why I will never quite.

Jen said...

Wow, you are really onto something with the compliments. That is a really cool thing to do. I think that I should do this same thing in my life.

Congrats on the award and thank you for passing it onto me. :)

Wendy D said...

Awe... Thank you! I've been trying a lot more to share positive thoughts when they pop up. It's amazing how much a good "thank you" to someone who opened the door can make a difference. And more in my home. My oldest son called me "a bright light in his life" in a report for school. I had no idea until the report came home at the end of the year. I looooove this!
I work from home 20 hours a week and sometimes feel really isolated. Sharing a happy conversation with anyone, even in a line up at the store makes me feel reconnected to life. I miss working retail. (but only a little)

The Suburban Princess said...

Thanks for the shout-out and the award!

I need to start trying out this compliment thing too! It's a great idea!

The Mommy Therapy said...

Thanks Jill! Such an honor! Thank you so much for the shout out. I love the idea of paying the compliments forward.

I am seriously envious that you can knit! I have tried actually several times and just can't get it together. Maybe you could teach me that and I could have you exercise with me?

Let's work on the logisitcs. :)

Thanks again!