As a child when I was picked on or spoken to meanly my mom would always remind me of the age old adage, “sticks and stones may break your bones, but words will never hurt you.”
Let me tell you… my hand to God! (in my best Staten Island accent) That was a L-I-E!
Words can hurt and on the other hand words can be inspiring, motivating, encouraging and loving. In his book “The Five Love Languages,” Gary Chapman says words of affirmation affirm another person. Who doesn’t want to be affirmed or have their actions, hopes and dreams acknowledged, validated and accepted?
Two weeks ago I received two e-mails from two different sets of people (a married couple and a mother & daughter) that I randomly met out and about in my everyday life. In their e-mails they said they were following-up on connecting for the dinner or coffee we discussed but they also took the time to tell me how much they enjoyed meeting me and the conversation that we had. Those words really meant a lot to me. In fact, they made my day! It was such a pleasant and unexpected compliment.
I take a great deal of personal pride and joy in sending cards and letters because I believe it’s important to let people know they are appreciated, that you appreciate what they have done on your behalf or that you appreciate the gift they have given to you. People want to feel valued and it’s nice to know when you have positively affected another human being.
In our fast paced society of two sentence e-mails and text messages why don’t you take the time to send a card or letter (good old fashion snail mail) to your significant other, a friend or relative letting them know you appreciate them….it just may SEIZE their Day!
CARPE DIEM
If you aren’t up to writing a letter or sending a card here are some creative ways I found to share words of affirmation with your mate, family and/or friends!
1. Love Notes Box: Your family will have so much fun leaving each other random love notes
Photo Credit: http://eighteen25.blogspot.com/2010/11/love-notes-box.html
2. 365 Love Notes: 365 love notes makes a thoughtful graduation gift for a child about to go a way to college, Christmas gift for a loved one, Valentine’s, engagement, or anniversary gift…a note for each day of the year.
Photo Credit: http://www.themed-party-ideas.com/365-love-notes.php#template
3. RedStamp is a GREAT app for sending thinking of you, thank you, congratulations, holiday and birthday cards via your mobile phone. They allow you to choose a theme and personalize it with your own words and pictures.
St Paul Magazine’s Nov 2011 Seen + Heard Column
Thank you for sharing this! I will definitely remember to affirm those around me and those that I love. We can become so impersonal without thought thanks to technology.
Jasmine, this is great! Thanks for sharing this! My Mom always said the same thing, yet I could not understand why the words still hurt (until I learned the agreement of “Don’t take things personally” from the book “The Four Agreements” and worked on the learning that it is never about me – lol). But seriously, this is a great way to connect with others, give “thoughtful” gifts while lifting and affirming their spirits. You are a gem!
Love this post! I have an appreciation board on Pinterest with innovative ways to do just that. Here is the link: http://pinterest.com/kakief/appreciation/ Have a terrific week! -Kakie
Kakie- LOVE the appreciatation board. Wonderful ideas to show gratitude to others! Thanks for sharing. CARPE DIEM
Jasmine,
Those are beautiful thoughts! I love the blogs! Keep up the beautiful work!
Carpe Diem!
Thanks for reading Sophie!
Carpe Diem