Two of my favorite scriptures are from Proverbs.
The first is, "Life and death are in the power of the tongue." (Proverbs 18:21).
The second is, "Pleasant words are like a honeycomb, sweetness to the soul and health to the bones." (Proverbs 16: 24)
I believe in the power of words-- how they can either build or destruct. It's the spiritual truth that is the backbone of this company.
One of the things you may not know about the history of Compliment was born out of a time when I was in a relationship where words were used to destruct. I didn't even realize it when I was in it. Looking back though, I see that I was called to lift others in order to lift myself.
When that relationship ended and I was alone for the first time in twelve years, my hopelessness and despair were actually tempered and then lifted because pf the kind words people were sending one another through me.
Each compliment I hand-stamped, wrapped, and sent was like a love letter passing through my hands. I infused each package with gratitude because the gifts you were sending your friends acted as a salve for my heart.
Words are powerful.
Now, of course, I'm married to the most wonderful man and we have a beautiful baby.
And still, in every single room in our home, there are kind, thought-provoking, loving words that fill our spaces. I write this from my home office. When I look up I see this message on my bookshelf: "When you love what you have, you have everything."
We have equally the power to hate or love, tear down or build, destruct or create with our words.
So. Create. Create. Create.
When we choose our words to create love and life and joy, we do a service to the world. It is contagious. It is almost like magic. And it’s so so easy to do.
How can you use your words to create more love and life around you today?
Try these 4 SUPER SIMPLE things:
- Sending a quick email to someone whose hard work often goes unmentioned, or unnoticed. Thank them.
- Striking up a conversation with the grocery clerk at the checkout stand about their day. Wish them well.
- Saying hello to someone at your job you often pass but to whom you don’t speak much. Tell them how much you like their shirt, new hairdo, the way they killed it on that project, etc.
- Pausing at the first negative thought that wants to escape your lips. (Forgive yourself. We all do it.) Instead of spreading the gossip/swearing at the driver who cut you off/responding in anger, JUST PAUSE. Take a deep breath. Is there something kinder you can say? If not, remember that old line your mom used to say, “If you don’t have anything kind to say, don’t say it at all.” Then let the moment pass. Poof. It’s gone.
Guess what? You saved the world from a little less destruction today. Good job, Superwoman.
Wanna take it a step further?
If you're looking for a way to extend more kindness, consider a gift to uplift. You may also consider buying a little something for yourself, to surround yourself with beautiful, uplifting words so that wherever you look, you are reminded of the goodness you create.
