If You Have Something Nice to Say…

Last weekend, while on vacation, I came to realize a new motto.

As you know, I believe that “Kindness is the best accessory” (it’s written all over my blog!). Too me, it means that no matter what you are wearing or how you look that day, nothing shines more beautifully then a kind heart. Spreading kindness could be anything from picking up a piece of trash left on the sidewalk, giving someone a hug when they are having a bad day, dropping off a bracelet you found (that you’d like to keep) at the lost and found, or sharing an embarrassing story with someone who just felt very embarrassed. Kindness and helping people isn’t about donating money to charities (although that does help). It is more about what you can do to help people in your everyday life.

Now all of you have heard the phrase “If you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all”. It really got me thinking last weekend. How come the opposite isn’t true?

Often I’ll complement someone in my head. Isn’t that weird? I’ll think things like…

Her shirt is a lovely shade of purple.

I love that necklace.

She has great hair. 

Why do I only think it? When I’m having a bad day and someone randomly complements me, I feel a little brighter. I realized I should extend that courtesy. People need to start saying “If you have something nice to say, say it aloud”.

At first it was strange talking to strangers but then with each person I talked too it got easier. I felt like everywhere I went, there was someone I could make smile.

I challenge you to try it this week. It not only helps others feel better but focusing on the positive will make you feel happier as well.

Have you spread kindness today?

P.S. This applies when you are on the internet as well! I feel like I don’t comment on enough blog posts or YouTube videos even though I always think about how much I liked their post.