Pay a compliment

Every Friday, I have the pleasure of teaching a fitness class called Functional Boxing at a local seniors center, and attendees learn punching combinations and footwork drills. Practicing these mechanics improves balance and spatial awareness, builds confidence in multi-directional movements, increases muscle endurance, and lights up the brain in novel ways. The class checks many boxes that are important to seniors.

At the end of last week’s class, one of the students came to me and said, “Your class is the highlight of my week. I look forward to every Friday.” I was touched and honored by this compliment, and, fittingly, it was the highlight of my week.

That night, I reflected on the day’s events and the positivity that authentic compliments bring—they can make us feel seen, appreciated, and valued. For most people in their day-to-day lives, however, receiving a compliment doesn’t happen often.

Making others feel good and helping brighten their day makes me happy, and as part of keeping my “kindness muscle” in shape, I pledge to pay at least one genuine compliment to someone each day. Building this habit sets the stage for daily positivity, and that’s something I can get behind.

How does starting a “pay a compliment” practice sound to you?

To learn more about the rewards of compliments and how to get better at it, check out this article from NBC News.
https://www.nbcnews.com/better/lifestyle/why-compliments-make-us-feel-so...