Reading that phrase, didn’t you get a warm fuzzy feeling in your navel?

I know I get a lift when someone compliments me. Not so much with how I’m dressed. I’ve gotten beyond outer appearances since becoming a senior. After all, clothes don’t make a person. Thank goodness! 

And yet, I must confess to still getting a boost when someone notices that I’ve been to my hairdresser. I look perkier after a henna rinse and a haircut. After all, a woman’s hair is her crowning glory, and if she needs a little outside help now and then, I say “What the hey! Go for it!”

However, such vain glory is nothing in comparison to being warmly acknowledged for something I’ve done for someone else.

Think of it.

A compliment is so easily spoken. If it’s on the tip of your tongue..don’t hold back. What’s the worse that could happen? You get a strange look?

In all my years of handing out compliments left, right, and in-between…I’ve never ever had the recipient look at me as if to say “Are you nuts?”

Quite the contrary! My words of praise or empathy have always been met with surprised happiness. It’s as though I’ve lit a rocket under the person’s feet, lifting him skywards into the clouds.

My husband and daughter are so use to my telling complete strangers…”You’re beautiful!”…or “You’re  such a sweetheart!”…or “Thank you so much! You just made my day!”

Whatever’s appropriate to the occasion, I never hesitate to put my feelings out there. 

The reaction to my compliments are so worth any effort. Although there’s really no effort to letting folks know how swell they are. 

Their smiles and sparkling eyes let me know I’ve made their day, whether it’s a waiter…a receptionist…a customer service rep…a salesperson…a store manager…a bank teller.  

Think of it as gift-giving year round. 

We needn’t wait until a special occasion to give the gift of ourselves. It’s more precious than a store bought one, no matter how beautifully wrapped.

Santa really does reside in each and every one of us.

A gift of fellowship is at our fingertips…to give away as often as we wish.

So, go ahead…compliment someone!

…make their day…and yours!

………hugmamma.