Words have such power. The right word at the right time can make or break anyone’s day. I remember a little poem from my childhood emphasizing this point: “Be careful of the words you say, keep them soft and sweet. You’ll never know from day to day, which ones you’ll have to eat.”
That’s good advice, but it shouldn’t keep you from speaking what’s on your mind, giving constructive criticism, or sharing an insight. Just watch your tone and your word choice and your suggestions will be taken in the spirit intended. My writers’ group friends are masters at this; they can rip and shred a story to pieces, and still leave you with the feeling your work has been praised, polished and perfected.
Recently I was talking to a good friend about the thrill I felt watching the rehearsals for my two one-act plays now in production (see Willapa Players in the sidebar). He let me excitedly babble on for a few minutes, and when I finally took a breath he quietly said, “I’m so proud of you.”
“I’m so proud of you.” Five simple words. Words spoken from the heart. Words that stopped me cold and put a brick in my throat the size of Nebraska. I choked up, teared up, and could not speak.
“You still there?” he asked.
“Uh-huh.”
“You okay?”
“Yes,” I finally replied, “I’m better than okay. I’m sitting here on Cloud Nine, basking in your compliment, not wanting to break the spell.”
“Well, I AM proud of you, and I just wanted you to know that.”
All I could say was “Thank you.” It was all that was necessary. An acknowledgment of his acknowledgment, and better than any Valentine I’ve ever received.
So I’m throwing out a challenge to my readers: Praise someone today. Or pass along a compliment you’ve heard about them. You have no idea the positive power your words will have upon the recipient. Don’t hesitate to spread the good words to make the world a better place, one little compliment at a time.