Thank You, Leila…Whomever You Are!
I think we all need to practice what we preach onto ourselves. Does that make sense?
Here’s the thing, I’m a HUGE believer in handing out compliments. Not just for the sake of sucking up to anyone - OH NO! But, for example, if you see someone that looks like they lost weight, tell them; if you notice something super cute on a stranger, tell them; look at the person at the drive-through and smile; hug your husband and kids extra tight; … My whole philosophy is if you can make someone smile for no money at all - do it! It’s free! We’re in a recession and doing things for free is trendy, right?
Anyway, my story goes that yesterday I was feeling a little down on myself. My family is taking a much anticipated trip to Hawaii in April and I really need to get in shape. My arms are jiggling and my cellulite is more than noticeable. There will be pictures of me in a bikini in 3 months so I have no time to waste. My plan was to join a new Pilates studio in my neighborhood and look like Jennifer Aniston in 6 weeks.
OK, so yesterday I allowed someone to make me feel a little down. Well, not just a little down - but a whole lot down. They said it and I allowed it. Instead of being my own cheerleader (as I happily am for everyone else), I took the comments as an attack and couldn’t pull myself out of it. I just wanted to curl up in a ball and go to sleep - but who can do that? I have two kids. My two BFFs said all the right things to bring me up, but I just assumed that they have to say that. That’s their job.
But then this morning, in the pouring rain, I walked into Pilates class and the instructor asked me if I knew Leila (someone who was on the reformer next to me last week). I have no idea who Leila is because when I work out I am in my own zone…not looking at anyone and quite honestly, hoping nobody is looking at me. Leila asked the instructor who I was and commented on my super cute mom body. Stop! Ta Da! My world changed from cloudy to sunshine! I think I even heard angels singing. First of all, I dwelled on the “mom body” part for a minute, and then I allowed myself to be completely picked up and out of my blue zone. Snap! Just like that I was happy! A complete stranger who wasn’t even there at the time made my day. Her one little comment changed everything for me.
This is why I’m a strong believer in freely giving compliments! You just never know how powerful your words can be. Thank you, Leila…whomever you are!