This is a true story. I was playing fetch outside with my dog Stanlee recently when I saw a woman walking towards me. She was wearing a pink sweatshirt with a breast cancer ribbon stitched on the front. She was wearing a beanie and clearly was going through treatment. I could have said nothing. I could have just let her walk by. But I felt that perhaps she needed to know she wasn’t alone. So I went up to her and kindly asked her if she was fighting breast cancer. She said yes. And then I simply told her I was a survivor, and what came next was pure magic. We simply hugged. Complete strangers, joined together by a horrible common bond. I told her my story, she told me hers - and I told her to be strong and that she was a fighter. Perhaps she needed to hear that today, perhaps not, but I noticed a change in her stature as she walked away. She looked taller, braver, stronger.
Another true story. I personally struggle with my appearance after losing my hair and my breasts. My body didn’t feel like my own. I was going through a drive-through getting a coffee when the person giving me my coffee simply said “WOW I love your hair it’s stunning!” To most people, it’s a nice compliment that may be shrugged off, but to me, it was the world. I actually cried. I told her I lost my hair to cancer and have been struggling with it growing back - and to hear this compliment from a stranger really meant the world to me. This woman had no idea how amazing she made me feel with a simple compliment. I thanked her and told her she was wonderful. We both felt amazing!
I say these stories because you never know what people around you are going through. Saying something kind not only boosts your confidence and mood, but it also increases the mood of the person you being kind to. Scientists have found that receiving a compliment triggers the same part of your brain that gets activated when you receive a monetary reward. You’re happy, you’re excited, you feel good! There truly is power in giving and receiving compliments.
It can be as simple as saying “I like your shirt” or “Hey great job!”. Little things go a long way. So many of us have those moments where we notice something or appreciate something but we never say it. We forget how amazing compliments make another person feel. With the world being in the state that it’s in with so many horrible things happening around us, why not spread more positivity and light with those around you. We’ll all feel better and be a little happier. So if you see something, say something, because you never know what that person is going through, and how much you might make their day by a simple act of kindness.
We have all the feels as we make our way into the month of October, a time to honor survivors, remember loved ones, and spread knowledge. To our good friends and family who have fought with grace, strength, tears and love, we see you. We love you. Get checked everyone. 💕
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