Mark Twain said, “I can live for two months on a good compliment.”
Growing up, I worked in my dad’s medical office. The schedule was always long and demanding, but I loved working there. One day at home, Dad unexpectedly told me I was the hardest worker in the clinic. Those few words meant more to me than if he’d told me I looked pretty in my prom dress. And, obviously, I still remember it. Words are definitely powerful and lasting.
What phrases do you say every day? Which ones do you want your family to remember? My kids always claimed they were going to make me a t-shirt that said, “DONTCHA WANNA”. That was my way of giving suggestions to them without sounding too pushy or demanding (usually). (Like, dontcha wanna put away your laundry? Or dontcha wanna take that plate you just ate off of and stick it in the dishwasher…?)
More than ten years ago, Natalie gave each person in our family a priceless gift of carefully chosen words. This offering cost less than $2.00, yet I would venture to say that everyone remembers it and still has it in their stash of treasures. With scraps of card stock and markers she wrote ten things she loved about each one of us (personal and funny stuff). Of Trisha she wrote that she loved her uniqueness. Of my husband she said, “His personality that handles the fun and serious sides of life.”
She slipped each list into a clear 8.5×11″ acrylic frame and tied with a bow. These words of affirmation were found on everyone’s dresser or nightstand for a very long time.
This would be a perfect gift for Valentine’s Day for spouses, children, grandparents and friends. It requires little money, just a little time and personal thought. You may never know the impact of your words on others. Maybe your kind words will get them through difficult days and help them know how much you truly care.
