Tuesday, August 24, 2010

A Gift

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The gift that I want to give, more than ever at this time of my life , is the gift of

edifying

complimenting

saying

honoring

recognizing.

I say this not because I need it returned, but rather  because it is freeing.

How does it sound?

What does it look like?

In no particular order…

you look great’

that looks amazing’

‘I love your house’

that means so much to me’

you are so talented’

that is so smart’

I could not have done it without your help’

I enjoy your blog so much’

thank you for your friendship’

Out of context, these statements sound gratuitous.

 

It doesn’t matter ‘how’ they sound.

It just matters that I say them.

***

I am linking to Emily’s

Chatting at the Sky

34 comments:

Gardener on Sherlock Street said...

Just perfect. I agree. What a great way to honor those you know.

trash talk said...

To these ears...sounding off was never written sweeter.
Debbie

Vickie said...

Second that, Laura - I think it's amazing how freeing it is. I find that the older I get, the less I think about pleasing myself and the more I want to honor and please others. When we're young, it's all about ME, as we mature, it slowly changes. Good post - thanks for the reminder!

susan said...

Thank you and I DO enjoy your thoughts and your blog. The more you give away, the more you have to keep :)

Blondie's Journal said...

I love what Susan just said about the more you give away. This is what your post says to me.

xoxo
Jane

Nancy's Notes said...

Great post Laura. We are healthier and happier when we give and receive appreciation. I have always believed that you should thank everyone that contributes to your well-being and joy! I am thanking you now, dear friend! Your posts are always so rich and full of value.

Hugs,
Nancy

D.B. said...

My in-laws and I were just discussing the importance of honoring each other! Thank you for putting it in your post, and thanks again for honoring me!

Diane said...

Yes! I love this Laura =))

Deb said...

very nice post Laura...I always enjoy your posts...

Lisa said...

Laura,
I have never been to your blog and not left edified, uplifted or encouraged. You are that gift giver. Never doubt it.

Linda @ A La Carte said...

I agree! I am so careful to try to be positive! We all need it and to give it is easy and from my heart! You are indeed a special person!!

Theresa said...

Me too:) Words spoken can say so much, words unspoken can say so much! Big hugs!

Kathy's Red Door Welcome said...

It takes so little to make a difference and acknowledging the sweetness in others is such a great way to make a difference! Thanks for your post!

Erin said...

This is why I like people older than myself:) I think saying kind things shouldn't be so hard, yet people make it difficult. So, thank you Laura for being a bright spot on a cloudy day:)

Claudia said...

I wholeheartedly agree! I used to be less giving with compliments when I was young - now I realize how much it matters and how blessed I am to be able to give them.

xo
Claudia

Melissa | Madabella: made beautiful said...

I need to be more affirming...this was encouraging.

Marty@A Stroll Thru Life said...

Oh I so agree. It comes back to the old saying, If you can't say something nice, don't say anything at all. However, we really do need to say it not just think it. Great post. Thanks for the reminder. Hugs, Marty

Bonnie said...

I admire how well you express yourself and enjoy continuing to recognize so many valuable traits I see in you. Your kindness, thoughtfulness and sweetness show through your blog.

NanaDiana said...

I am constantly amazed by all the positive feedback in this BlogWorld I am in. I have not run across any negative (or mean) bloggers...I am further amazed by the lack of jealousies here..those that promote others and are proud to show off their "friend's" stuff and ideas, rather than promoting themselves.

I always smile though when I think about the counterpart to the saying Marty (above) wrote...If you don't have anything nice to say...come and sit by me! lol

Wonderful post ~ Diana

Olive said...

You are always so positive, kind, and understanding. This post relects that.
~~♥♥~~
olive

Entertaining Women said...

I read once that it takes 12 human touches each day to maintain one's sanity. I think that the words that we pour over others in love, must surely count as a human touch. Thanks for verbalizing the importance of lifting others up with encouragement. Cherry Kay

Rust: Vintage Inspired Design said...

Love this post Laura....I strive to be like that as well. I know people who have a very difficult time giving a compliment and I have never been able to understand that! So glad I have you as my blogging friend!
Happy day!
xojanis

Grandma Yellow Hair said...

Laura honey your smile says it all.
I love coming by here to check on you
Love
Maggie

Sue said...

Sometimes I feel as if I run out of things to say. I get tired of saying, that is gorgeous or I love it! Then I remember that it is important for each person to hear something good and how much we all need and enjoy that. So, I loved this post!

Jennifer {Studio JRU} said...

What a *wonderful* gift to give! Love it! :)

Karen said...

Your inner beauty is showing. What a gift.
I love that little bird... balancing. I feel just like that.
Karen
Ladybug Creek

Dawn said...

yes, I am not good at saying those things. I think them...but don't always say them. Thanks for the inspiration to give this gift to others more readily.

donna baker said...

What goes without saying needs to be said.

Debra@CommonGround said...

This is everything I feel about you, dear Laura! wonderful reminder! Hope you're having a great week!
love ya,
Debra

Sarah said...

Beautiful post, Laura. I agree, it takes so little time and effort to pass on a compliment, but those words can mean the world. You exemplify all that you listed, Laura, Thanks for sharing your friendship. ~ Sarah

Pondside said...

A kind word, sincerely spoken, may make a difference that the speaker may never understand.
Well said.

CHERI said...

My latest post was about how I truly enjoy "giving" to others. Your post was lovely and so meaningful.

Anne Marie said...

it's a wonderful thing to try to keep positive and live your life for others...because it certainly comes back to you :)

well said dear Laura!

Kim's Treasures said...

Last year, I decided to just that and continue to now. I hope it makes the ones I meet day.

Have a great day!
Kim

 

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