National Compliment Day - January 24th

Compliment: a verbal or written remark that expresses admiration, respect, or praise for another person or group.

Studies show that compliments can actrivate the brain's reward center, promote positivity, and help build overall good mental health.  So let's take advantage of Wednesday, January 24 - National Compliment Day! Last week I challenged you to write a thank you to someone.  This week I challenge you to give at least one compliment (verbal or written) to someone each day (family, friends, colleagues).  Try to be specific, maybe even including a specific time or event.  This is a great community builder, no matter where you are.  Here are some to print and hand out (add a note on the back) if that's of interest to you - Compliment Cards.

Something else to think about...while it's easy to give compliments, sometimes it's harder to receive them.

 Here are some tips for accepting a compliment:

• Avoid rejecting the compliment - but rather, express your gratitude.  Accept the compliment as you would a gift, saying "thank you!"  When someone compliments you, they tell you how your behavior or actions impacted them, and sometimes that may make the person feel vulnerable.  Let them know you appreciate that they took the time to share their thoughts.
• Redirect compliments meant for someone else.  If someone compliments something you didn't do, redirect them to the right person while supporting their desire to give a compliment.  It's also thoughtful to share a compliment you heard about someone else - it's always nice to hear that someone has acknowledged you!

Consider keeping track of the compliments you receive.  I think we all find that it's much easier to remember the negative thoughts and experiences more than the positive ones.  Compliments and happy memories seem to fade more quickly than criticism or painful or embarrassing experiences.  Create a "joy box", a box filled with encouraging notes from friends and family, and anything else that makes you smile.

A compliment to all of you from me - thank you for making Willow such a great place for students, staff, and families.  I am reminded of this over and over!

Have a great week -

Sue