Articulate

"Your playing small does not serve the world."

Currently
Reading: "Sisterhood Everlasting" by Ann Brashares

Watching: "Numb3rs" 
Listening: "High School" by Superchick

High school is like the state of the nation
Some people never change after graduation,
Believing any light you shine makes theirs lesser,
They have to prove to everyone that theirs is better
These are the rules, the ways of high school
If someone puts you down, that's so high school,
Believing they're too cool for you, that's so high school
If you believe it too, that's also high school,
I know I'll be graduating early

"There is nothing enlightened about shrinking," 

I am an encourager. I love words of affirmation. I marvel at how eloquently words can be spoken. How they can be made into beautiful art and yet be used to shred people apart.
Over the past few days, I have been blown away by the power of words. I have been complimented, encouraged, cut down, and diminished. And it is amazing how those simple things effected my day.

com·pli·ment

[n. kom-pluh-muhnt; v. kom-pluh-ment] Show IPA

noun

1.an expression of praise, commendation, or admiration: A sincere compliment boosts one's morale.

2.a formal act or expression of civility, respect, or regard: The mayor paid him the compliment of escorting him.

3.compliments, a courteous greeting; good wishes; regards: He sends you his compliments.

4.Archaic. a gift; present.

verb (used with object)

5.to pay a compliment to: She complimented the child on his good behavior.

6.to show kindness or regard for by a gift or other favor: He complimented us by giving a party in our honor.

7.to congratulate; felicitate: to compliment a prince on the birth of a son.

A man complimented me. It was astonishing. It caught me off guard. It made me smile. It was an off the cuff comment that probably meant nothing to him. Do I think he was trying to hit on me or take advantage of the opportunity? No. But it was nice. It was kind. It was genuine. And I chose to receive instead of fight it like I normally would.

en·cour·age

[en-kur-ij, -kuhr-] Show IPA

verb (used with object), en·cour·aged, en·cour·ag·ing.

1. to inspire with courage, spirit, or confidence: His coach encouraged him throughout the marathon race to keep on running.

2. to stimulate by assistance, approval, etc.: One of the chief duties of a teacher is to encourage students.

3. to promote, advance, or foster: Poverty often encourages crime.

Encouragement is like a hug from a friend. It comforts you and pushes you forward. My dear friend pushed me forward yesterday. She made me face what I wanted to run from. She told me stories that lightened the way. And virtually held my hand.

"so that other people won't feel insecure around you."

I was cut down and diminished by an old coworker. She was rude and condescending. But she was that way when I worked there.  She was one of those people that believe any one else shining takes away from them. I didn't let her get me in that moment. However, it definitely carried into my day.

I have been thinking a lot about my mouth since my surgery. How often do I say things that cut others down? How often do I speak when it's unnecessary? Or have to have the last word?
When was the last time I genuinely complimented someone? When was the last time I held someones hand with my words? What about you?

"We are are all meant to shine, as children do." ~Marianne Willamson