Tiny Blips

Have you ever let a tiny blip of a situation ruin your entire day? Maybe it was a rude remark or simply an unkind glance. Maybe it was nothing, that felt like a big something, and boom! Day ruined. We've all been there.

When you reflected back on this tiny blip, were you able to see just how tiny it really was? Did you realize that it didn't deserve so much attention and it certainly didn't earn the right to steal your precious time?

We are so quick to let small things ruin big days. We are a society who likes to complain, focus on the negatives in an experience and share those stories with anyone willing to listen...but what if we focused on the good? What if, even in a negative situation, we could pick out what was actually good, or maybe even great? What if those were the stories we shared?

My Mom was a complimenter. We could be literally anywhere and she would spot a great haircut, a beautiful smile...something to compliment in a perfect stranger. I used to be embarrassed when she'd walk right up to someone and ask who their hairdresser was. What I know to be true is that in every case, my Mom made someone smile and often the smile was followed by a "Thank you. You made my day." Sometimes those small exchanges change a person's whole day. Those tiny, little, blip moments of something kind or positive can turn an entire day around. 

What I once found sort of embarrassing is something I'm proud to say was naturally instilled in me, and now even my children. I love that. My Mom would have loved that. None of us give a second thought in paying compliments. They sometimes even seem to come out of our mouths before we realize it's happening. It's so second nature. Everyone is struggling with something. That kind sentence, smile or gesture could quite literally change a day, a week, or even a whole life. It all adds up. The good, the less good and all the in-between. 

All that said- Don't let small blips ruin big days. Seize small opportunities for kindness instead. For everything that goes wrong, do something right. Life is so very precious. We cannot be losing entire days to blips. 

Just imagine if we spent our days complimenting others instead of complaining to them. If we shut down our judgemental and superficial thoughts and immediately looked for something remarkable, or even simply good, in a person. Sometimes you have to look a little harder...but there is good to be found.

While you're at it, try talking to yourself a little nicer too. Stop picking yourself apart and remind yourself about your good qualities. Even if it's only your earlobes. It doesn't matter. Compliment yourself with the same love and kindness you'd give your best friend. You deserve it! 

This world is in rough shape. We have to do better. We have to be better. Kind words matter. I believe in the power of kindness. Are you with me?!