Quick Thought #17 – Most of Our Discomfort with Compliments Could Go Away, if it Were Common

Quick Thought #17 – Most of Our Discomfort with Compliments Could Go Away, if it Were Common

ByMike McBride Reading Time: 2 minutes

What occurred to me as I thought more about this study, was that both of these are easily fixable. Giving and receiving compliments would not be such an anxiety-inducing activity if we simply practiced it more often. It’s the fact that we so rarely give people compliments that makes this awkward, and when the kind words of a friend, or even a stranger, can have such an important impact on our days, and our own struggles with self-worth, this is hardly a thing that should be so rare.

So, here’s my challenge, for myself, and for you. The next time someone does a really good job on a project, is especially good at their job, or just looks sharp in a new outfit, tell them. Even if you don’t know them very well. It will matter to them, and you’ll get to practice something that will make you a better, happier, person as well.

So, How Are You Doing?

So, How Are You Doing?

ByMike McBride Reading Time: 2 minutes

But, that’s not what I want to talk about today, because, frankly, I think we’re all talked out on the subject, or at least I feel like I’m all talked out right now. If you don’t realize that anxiety and other mental health issues are sitting heavy on all of us this year, I don’t know that there’s anything I can say that will convince you of it. I want to talk about some good things, because, why not? I want to appreciate the following:

No matter what happens with the election, the sun rose today. It will set tonight, and rise again tomorrow. And I am here to see it.

I am thankful for the many friends and family members we’ve been in touch with in the last few days, even if it’s just to text and say “WTF”?

Laughter, because sometimes there’s nothing else to do but laugh, and it’s good for you.

You are here, reading this. You’re Alive!

Hope, that as long as there is a tomorrow for any of us, there is hope in the fact that things are always changing in the world, and in our lives.

Love. For each other, and ourselves.

Nature.

The technology that lets us all check in with each other, across the world, at any time.