Many years ago, I paid a random compliment to a sales clerk. I think it was her earrings that caught my attention. I watched her whole face transform. She thanked me and helped me (and the next customers) with enthusiasm. I realized that the smallest compliment had the power to change someone’s mood, perhaps someone’s day.  From then on, I’ve made an effort to be kind and pay compliments.

My story, “All the Beautiful People” was inspired by my people watching. People are always so concerned, worried, picking at themselves. It occurred to me that rarely do people see their own beauty – and that everyone is beautiful.  I’m not talking about physical beauty – I’m talking about that which goes beyond the physical.

A student experimented with her video camera and her compliments. The results are pretty amazing.

Student Video Captures People’s Faces when They Were Told They Were Beautiful

Sometimes, people don’t hear these very important words.

Language, compliments, can change someone’s mood, change their day. Maybe, it has the power to change a life.

Be positive. Be kind. Be generous with compliments.