THURSDAY THOUGHTS - Compliments Are Like Helium To Our Self Esteem

Guest Post -

Last week I got hit really hard with that awful flu that is going around. I went home early from work on Friday and slept most of the weekend. I even missed church which I rarely do. Every muscle in my body ached, as if someone had beaten me relentlessly with a sledge hammer. My husband caught this flu from me, so we were both sick. I went back to work on Monday (a stupid move on my part) making the work week very long indeed.

Because I consider myself in most cases, to be a pretty upbeat and positive person, it really surprised me what a toll this illness took on my mental attitude. I felt my energy seeping away like sands through on hour glass. My tasks took longer to accomplish and required more energy than normal to complete. I found myself amazed at an entirely new level that my body works so much of the time as it should, like a well oiled machine.

I found myself thinking about my first trip to Lifting Hearts, where I met women in different stages of baldness due to chemotherapy. Some had already had their surgeries while others were on the horizon. My cancer thankfully was diagnosed so early that it never really made me sick. In fact, this rotten flu bug was worse than cancer was for me by a long shot. I began to think how difficult life must be for those who feel weak and sick on a continual basis. My own mother came to mind because her last years were full of constant pain and suffering, yet she always smiled. I was far from smiling at this moment!

Late on Friday afternoon, a dear friend of mine who teaches at the BYU Law School came into the bank to open his account to run for US Congress. I knew this process would take a while despite the fact I did not feel well, so... I began preparing the paperwork. As I worked, he said, "Kathy, you have taken such great care of me as my banker for many years." I was startled at the power his simple compliment had on my frame of mind. I almost felt some of my energy returning, and I wanted to do the best job that I could for him.

I recently read an article by Hilary Weeks entitled, "The Marvelous Cycle of Compliments". In this article she states, "Compliments are wonderful little things. They do not cost anything, you never run out, and everyone loves them. Both the giver and the receiver are uplifted... compliments lift us all. They are like helium for our self esteem and are one of those 'small and simple things that make great things come to pass'.

As I completed my tasks at work that day, I vowed to be more free with sincere compliments to others around me. There are so many who find sickness and pain to be their constant companion (not an occasional visitor as was my experience). A kind word of encouragement or praise could be the helium for their self esteem just as that compliment was to me when I felt so awful on that Friday afternoon.

-Kathy Christensen
Survivor
Member, Lifting Hearts