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THE famous American writer, Mark Twain wrote: “I
can live for two months on a good compliment.”
Who does not enjoy a few good
words of praise? Some might say it does not matter and they can live
without them, but we know it isn’t true. They do matter.
Encouraging words lift the spirit and brighten our day. Even the
quick “hello” from someone you do not expect to greet you is
enough to make you feel good.
It is amazing how just a few kind
words can turn our sadness around. Suddenly, we feel better. The sun
seems to shine brighter and so do the stars. Our disposition becomes
more positive and we feel like smiling at the world.
I work with problematic people of
all ages. I have learned about the healing power of a few
well-placed words. Just the other day, I called for one of our
Nazareth House residents. When he came to the veranda of my home, I
could see his concern, his tension written all over his face. He
wondered about the nature of the meeting. It is amazing how often we
think the worst about what will happen to us. It turned out to be a
five-minute meeting. I simply congratulated him on a job well done.
I told him I had received very good feedback about a project he
headed. He got misty eyed and could not say anything expect to thank
me. After leaving me, he went to a nearby staffer and wept like a
child. He was so happy, he could not contain his tears. He is 50
years old.
Sincere praise works like magic.
It can make our day. Even a little sign of recognition can do
wonders. It touches the heart and communicates to us that yes,
indeed, we are valued.
During a house meeting at
Nazareth the other day, I recognized one of our residents by telling
him that I appreciated the enthusiasm that he showed for his work.
Later during the day when he had the chance to talk to me, he said,
“ Thanks for those kind words. I really appreciated them.”
Sincere compliments have the
power to heal. They can change a person’s disposition in the wink
of an eye. Sometimes, they are unspoken. A glance of recognition, a
slight smile, a gesture are all ways to say, “You mean something
to me.”
At Nazareth House, whenever
anyone, resident or visitor enters the room, it is customary to
greet and acknowledge that person’s presence. It is a courtesy
that makes people feel good and it costs nothing.
I got an e-mail just now from a
reader in Boston, Massachusetts. The message was brief: “I started
reading your column when I was a young girl in the Philippines.
Please know that your writings continue to inspire me to be humble
and love life.”
It made my day. Maybe you feel
like writing a few lines to someone who comes to mind. Your beloved,
your kids, a friend or even a stranger.
If you have problems about
drugs, alcohol and behavior/attitude call my office at 820-6107 or
825-1771 or e-mail me at gvcbuenca@vasia.com
or write me at P.O. Box 2099 MCPO, Makati City.
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