This Memorial Day, after you pause to remember and appreciate those who have died, spend time noticing and affirming those you still have in your life. Sometimes I get too busy and forget to tell the people I love the most how much I appreciate them. How about you?
Do not save your loving speeches
For your friends till they are dead;
Do not write them on their tombstones,
Speak them rather now instead.
-Anna Cummins
What would happen if you did what Anna Cummins suggests in this quote? If you told the people in your life that you love and appreciate them – and told them why – what would happen?
I urge you to try it.
Tell your kids, tell your friends, tell your partner, tell your colleagues that you appreciate them. Then tell them why. What is it, exactly, that you notice and appreciate?
Go through these steps again the next day or the next week.
Be sincere.
My friend Sandy is good at this. She greets those she is close to with a “Hi Beautiful!” or a “Hey there, Handsome!” on a regular basis. When questioned, she asserts that she only hangs out with beautiful and amazing people; in her eyes all of her friends are beautiful (or handsome!). Sandy and I have been friends for 14 years; her warm and loving greeting has rubbed off on me. Now I frequently greet people in this manner and I want you to know, people notice and they like it. They smile and stand up just a bit taller.
I learned that emotions were contagious in nursing school, oh so many years ago. And I have watched the phenomenon with interest over the years. Social scientists are still studying the phenomenon and they still agree; positive regard is contagious. You can use this truth to enhance your home life, your work life, and your civic life. People like to be noticed and appreciated. And you and I can make the world just a bit happier and more joyful in the meantime.
So what do you say, Beautiful? Will you join Sandy and I; will you spread the positive and affirm the people in your life that you appreciate? I hope so.
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