Compliments and Caring Go a Long Way

When was the last time you received a compliment or, indeed, caring for someone in a way that made them feel special?

In a stressful society such as ours, paying someone a compliment, caring and going that extra mile makes us feel special and happy to be alive.

I vividly recall how good I felt when my parents, friends and teachers praised me for something I achieved. It wasn't so much the actual achievement but the caring and encouragement that mattered most - to know someone was as excited and invested in me and my chosen activity as I was.

Showing others how much we care, whether on a small or big level, proves how much we pay attention to other peoples feelings and situations. Nowadays, with less personal and physical connections, getting someone's attention makes a big difference to how well or badly we endure and cope during hard times.

It doesn't take much effort to make someone feel good about themselves.

Caring and putting someone else first now and then makes us feel better about ourselves. It shows us how much we need one another and the frequently hostile environment in which we live can be a good place when we pay extra attention to what goes on around us.

Each time I meet people whose biggest problem is that they're feeling lonely and isolated, I ask them if they've tried to reach out and connect with family and friends. Frequently the response is they're too scared to make the first move and initiate a dialogue. Communication isn't about connecting with everyone and everything on line. Sure, it's great to have instant access to everyone and everything but without that special personal connection with the people we care and relate with life becomes an empty and shallow place to live.

So, the next time you feel lonely and isolated, reach out to people you know or even a stranger you happen to pass in the street on your way to and from work.

Quite often the people we least expect to connect with on a deeper level turn out to be the ones we have most in common with and gain a lot from. But remember it takes effort and willingness to make lasting connections and never forget how much your presence in someone's life means.

Enjoy Summer wherever you are with the people that matter to you.

Hélene x

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