“I have discovered that when I extend even the smallest kindness, I am repaid a hundred times over.”

Excerpted from the book, The Napkin, The Melon & The Monkey

With the help of Isabel, her wise friend and mentor, Olivia discovered the joy that comes from being more kind and generous to others.  While she knew that giving someone a compliment made them feel good, she hadn’t realized that being kind benefited her even more.

I discovered the power of a compliment a few years ago when I called to make a reservation for a trip to Europe. I hoped that I could use my accumulated miles to get the flights I wanted without having to pay a lot of additional cash. Bev, the agent who helped me, not only managed to get me the flights I wanted using just my miles, but arranged an upgrade to business class on the return trip. I told her how much I appreciated her creativity and asked her transfer me to her supervisor.
As I was waiting on hold I anticipated the supervisor’s reaction to getting a compliment instead of the usual complaint. As it turned out, the supervisor was not just surprised, she was delighted to hear me rave about Bev and thanked me profusely. After I hung up, I realized that I had not only made her day, I had made mine as well.

I thought about my two-minute conversation with that supervisor and realized that I had experienced joy three different times.

Three Feel Good Stages of a Compliment

1. Anticipation.
I remember smiling to myself as I thought about how shocked the supervisor would be to receive an accolade from a customer.
2. Delivery.
I felt a heart connection with the supervisor (a complete stranger) as I delivered the kudos.
3. Afterglow.
As she was thanking me for the compliment I remember thinking that the pleasure was all mine.

This week get a glow on — pay a stranger a compliment. You will be glad you did.

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