Don’t be Scared to Live Lovingly
It has a ripple effect
Complimenting someone and seeing their face light up, cheering for live bands in small cafes, leaving tips when you can, and expressing your appreciation through songs, letters and cards is one of the best feelings ever!
The first time I realised the power of real compliments, compliments that go beyond the physical (although there’s nothing wrong with that), was here, on Medium. I read other people’s words and was in awe — I often noticed that they were undervalued. People were clapping them, but they weren’t getting the same amount of comments. That’s when I decided to try to leave a comment on every post I read and saw how much it made a difference to people.
I took this new habit into my real life and started verbalising my appreciation for others. It means a lot to others when we remind them that what they do is seen and that it matters — not to validate them, but to remind them that what they do makes a difference.
I recently messaged my aerial yoga teacher to thank her for her passion, guidance, patience and just for having such a warm, positive vibe because she made me fall in love with aerial yoga so much that I bought and installed a hammock in my own apartment. She replied, saying that I brought a smile to her face. It was such a lovely exchange!
Living lovingly is so effortless and organic and yet so powerful when we allow it, when we stop holding back from telling people how we feel. It has a ripple effect that benefits others as well as enriching our own lives.
How do you personally express your appreciation to others?
