Ever feel a bit squirmy when someone gives you a compliment?
Yeah, me too.
For the longest time, I'd dive into a million excuses whenever someone said something nice about me. Compliments, gifts, acts of kindness—they all made me uncomfortable. I'd respond with, "Oh, you shouldn't have," or, "Let me awkwardly point out all of the things that are wrong with me". Sound familiar?
Just me? Oh ok.
But this Mother's Day, I decided to change that. I made a promise to myself to accept all the love, kindness, and compliments that came my way. To simply say "thank you" and let it sink in. To be present and feel gratitude. I loved it.
When someone loves you, sees you, or compliments you, I want you to receive that and say thank you.
Some may say that it's easier said than done.
Did you know that research shows women often struggle more than men to accept compliments? A study found that women are twice as likely to deflect compliments rather than accept them graciously.
The Art of Receiving
Receiving compliments and acts of kindness is more than just good manners—it's a vital part of building self-esteem and fostering genuine connections. When we deflect or downplay compliments, we're not only dismissing the giver's kindness, but we're also subtly reinforcing our own insecurities.
Here's how to master the art of receiving:
- Pause and Breathe: When someone compliments you, take a moment to pause and breathe. This helps you stay present and appreciate the kind words.
- Say "Thank You": Simply say "thank you" without any qualifiers or try "I receive that". Avoid adding, "but," or "it's nothing," which diminishes the compliment.
- Feel the Gratitude: Allow yourself to feel gratitude for the compliment. Recognize that the person is seeing something positive in you and appreciate their perspective.
- Reflect on the Compliment: Later, take some time to reflect on the compliment. Why do you think they said it? How does it align with your own self-perception?
- Practice Receiving: The more you practice accepting compliments, the easier it becomes. Start with small acts of kindness and work your way up to bigger gestures.
Why This Matters
Learning to receive compliments graciously can significantly boost your self-esteem and improve your relationships. When you accept a compliment, you acknowledge your worth and allow yourself to feel valued. This positive reinforcement can lead to greater self-confidence and a more positive outlook on life.
Moreover, accepting compliments can deepen your connections with others. When you receive a compliment with grace, you show appreciation for the giver's kindness and create a moment of genuine human connection. This can strengthen your relationships and build a supportive network around you.
The Challenge
This week, let's challenge ourselves to be better receivers. Embrace the goodness coming your way. When someone gives you a compliment, simply smile and say "thank you." Feel the warmth and let it brighten your day.
Who's in? Let's make this week about receiving all the love and positivity the world has to offer.
With gratitude,
xoxo Tracy
P.S. I love you.... Receive it. Receive it. Take it all in and don't forget to check out more Thought Gems at abeautifulfix.com! 💕
