Today is World Compliment Day

I can live two months on a good compliment.

-Mark Twain

March 1^st is World Compliment Day.  

Stay with me here.  

Whether you are the kind of person who gets a chuckle out of the endless national/international fill in the blank days, or you are someone who can live your day without knowing that someone somewhere declared today to be a day to honor something… we can all use a day like March 1^st.  

I grew up with the adage, “if you have nothing nice to say, don’t say anything at all”.  I try to compliment both friends and strangers alike on a daily basis, not just on March 1^st.  But having a day dedicated to giving compliments is a wonderful reminder that we need to put out more positive energy than ever before.  You never know what kind of day someone is having, and your words may bring the sunrise to their night.  Okay, that may have been slightly dramatic. In all likelihood, it might not be that dire, but a kind word or two will always be welcome. I have never seen someone being given a compliment who did not give a little smile in return, at the very least. 

Not only will the recipient of the compliment have their mood adjusted, but the one giving the compliment will also feel better.   I know I feel better when I give someone a compliment.  Being positive, leaves you positive.  It is a win-win.

Recently, I have been reminded of the power of words.  Words can build someone up or knock them down.  And words can linger and live in someone’s head and heart evermore.  I overheard some elementary age children at pick up recently who were using words to tear someone down.  It really upset me as a person and as a parent.  I marveled at where they learned this behavior and it reinforced all the more the need for a day like World Compliment Day: a day to make an effort to see the beauty in someone else.  Everyone can use this reminder.  Not just the children at pick up, but the adults on Facebook or other social media sites, using words to tear down strangers, neighbors, and friends.  Today is a wonderful reminder to bring the light to someone else with a sincere and heartfelt compliment, and to feel the sunshine in return.   

World Compliment Day also reminded me of a book I have read with my kids, that I thought was a great way to reinforce with children the power of positivity.  “Have You Filled a Bucket Today?” by Carol McCloud uses the metaphor of an invisible bucket we all carry around with us.  From day to day and throughout your life, there are people who will fill your bucket and others who will empty your bucket.  We need to choose to be a bucket filler.   

I think that this book should be in every child’s library.  If you are a parent of a young child, or have a niece or nephew, or a friend with a small child, this is a great gift.  It is the gift of positivity in terms children can understand.  I urge you to read it as well. It is a lesson all people, regardless of age, can benefit from.

On World Compliment Day, be the person who uses your words to build someone up.  Be a bucket filler.  I challenge you to sincerely compliment at least three people you see today.   Not only will you bring a smile to someone else, but I dare you not to smile in return.   And if you must continue giving complements on March 2^nd and thereafter, your secret is safe with me.