The other week, I had another exciting trip opportunity—this is turning out to be the summer of fun! While my husband was working hard, I was off exploring and relaxing in one of my favorite Minnesota towns, Duluth. While out exploring, I decided to try an experiment: a compliment walk. I looked at the people around me, noticed what was happening, and then stepped out of my comfort zone to approach them.
From comments about clothes to the antics of kids, I even talked to people about their furry friends—despite not being a dog person.
1 Thessalonians 5:11: “Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing.”
Can you guess what happened with each compliment? First, people smiled! From the elderly to the young, each person had a smile on their face after our interaction. Second, it became easier to speak what I saw in action. Maybe this introvert is really an extrovert in hiding?
This week, I challenge you to look around for the good that is happening and build people up! You will make someone’s day, and it’s pretty fun once you get started.
The Experience
I complimented a grandmother on her grandchildren's balance as they explored the rocks along North Shore, and she beamed with pride. I admired a lady's stylish pants and ended up expressing this compliment through a language barrier which only made her smile bigger.
Each interaction not only brightened someone else's day but also my own experience. It reminded me of the power of words and the impact we can have on each other with just a few kind words.
Encouragement in Action
As I continued my compliment walk, I noticed a shift in myself. Approaching strangers became less scary, and I felt more connected to the community around me. Encouraging others and seeing their reactions brought a sense of fulfillment and joy that stayed with me weeks after the trip ended.
This experiment in Duluth taught me that stepping out of my comfort zone to spread positivity is not just beneficial for others but also for my own personal growth. It's a practice I plan to continue, not just during trips but in my everyday life.
So, take the challenge! Look around, notice the good, and speak it out. You never know whose day you'll brighten or how much it might brighten yours in return.
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