Recently I was complimented in the following way:
“You are intelligent, beautiful, warm, creative and you have a rich soulful spirit.”
What an amazing compliment to receive from my dear friend! I thanked her and said that it was just what I needed to hear that day and in return, I complimented her.
The complimentary exchange got me thinking about my inner voice, my self talk and the way I used to receive compliments. That old inner voice said: You can’t. No, you can’t do that! No, you are not talented enough, beautiful enough or intelligent enough. To make matters worse, I rejected compliments from others. Often, I was unable to hear and accept compliments. I would have been embarrassed and I would have denied, made excuses or told you why the compliment was not true. And if it was true, it was only temporary and I had a good reason as to why it was temporary.
I know I am not the only one. Many of my friends are not able to receive compliments. They too make excuses or deny the compliment. Most of us look in the mirror and we see our flaws. I want to change that pattern. I want my friends, children and loved ones to see what I see and I want to see what my friends, children and loved ones see in me. I want to be able to take that compliment in, digest it and believe it in every way possible: spiritually, emotionally, mentally, and physically.
Today I choose to simply compliment.
I choose to spread kindness by performing my 4 Acts of Kindness: compliment myself, compliment others in my life, compliment strangers and compliment the earth. The last one might seem a bit strange, but I can simply say to the earth, what a beautiful day it is, or what an amazing flower you produced. I’m sure the universe will hear the compliment and appreciate it. And through these numerous compliments, I know I will create and spread kindness. And perhaps those 4 Acts of Kindness will spread to others.
Please join me today and everyday in complimenting yourself, others, strangers and our planet.
With Kindness,
Jenni Palazzo
4 Acts of Kindness 