Opt for Optimism Part 2 | A Lesson in Kindness
I spoke to you all recently about Frost Bank’s current campaign: Opt for Optimism. To recap – it’s a campaign promoting selflessness, kindness, and generosity of spirit by small acts of random kindness. I’ve also spoken to you all about my personal struggles with mental illness and depression, and I’d like to discuss why all of these things are intertwined – at least they are for me .. so here’s a little story.
This week my depression has been especially present, pulling me down from my giddy self to a state a being more resembling that of an old, crotchety woman despising anything and everything. These moods are crippling – they zap all of my energy and will to do anything. They’re incredibly annoying but more dangerous than anything else. Moods like that feed into negative thoughts and ultimately very scary paths and decisions. Not good right?
I had two events I had to be present for on Tuesday – requiring me to be very social and ‘in character’. To be honest, I was planning on laying low and just staying home – for everyone else’s sakes – until something happened. I was begrudgingly running some errands merely to make myself leave the house when I ran to the mall to make a return. No makeup, grungy tee and jogger pants, sandals – aka hot mess express.
Firstly – someone in the mall “recognized” me which absolutely lifted my spirit. It amazes me when anyone says they’re a follower and/or reader – it’s the most magnificent feeling! This chic proceeded to tell me how much she adores my “boldness” and tells her friends all about me. omgahhhh yall! I was nearly in tears because she had zero clue how much I needed to hear her words that day. Secondly, I go outside to wait for my car and the valet attendant told me I had beautiful skin. You’re probably thinking he was just trying a move, but no – not in the least. He was so genuinely kind in his compliment, I was taken aback by such a generous compliment.
So the point of this story? The power of an unwarranted compliment is a very precious thing. We often don’t consider what someone’s day is like, or even think maybe they don’t need the compliment or hear it all the time. Everyday is a new day – like a reset. We can hear over and over again a similar compliment, but the magnitude never loses its value. So take the time to tell someone how much you love their shoes, or how great they look in the color blue. I promise you, you just made their day and maybe, possibly saved a life. It sounds like a reach, but it’s not.
What I’ve Learned from the Challenge
Although I sit here and talk to you all, I learned it takes some mindfulness to actively give kindness. No, I’m not a grumpy ol’ bugger who isn’t nice, but I do find it takes me getting out of my own mind a little bit and consciously think about paying someone a compliment or setting a goal to clean out the closet to donate items. It’s things we do all the time but either don’t register that we do them or don’t do them often. Being intentional in spreading optimism takes effort, but is SO worth it – wouldn’t you agree?
I love that Frost Bank has partnered up with companies like CultureMap Dallas to help spread the good word and create a bigger sense of community all around. When we feel more connected, we become more human and thus more likely to treat each other with kindness.
You can sign up for the Opt for Optimism campaign with Frost Bank to receive reminders in your daily inbox. By doing so, you are encouraging a movement that focuses on inspiring optimism in three major ways: fostering generosity, building community, and changing perspectives. When we become more intentional – we are more present and thus more aware of each other, particularly if someone is having a bad day and needs a hug or a kind word. Ya feel me?
Has anyone ever paid you an unwarranted compliment? What is your favorite thing to hear? How do you plan on spreading optimism? Share with me your experiences – and I hope you took inspiration from mine!
August 17, 2018 @ 9:06 am
Yes, I totally agree!! Compliments are free to give and always lift spirits!! I give them all them time and love to receive them!!
August 17, 2018 @ 12:39 pm
Isn’t it great when words we need to hear come to us? i love giving people genuine compliments and spreading kindness wherever I go!
August 17, 2018 @ 5:16 pm
It is so true what you wrote and kindness in this world is a must! Giving compliments and receiving compliments or being friendly to a stranger really brightens up their day and makes you feel good about yourself as a person!❤️
August 17, 2018 @ 5:25 pm
oh girl i love this. give compliments is the best. I give at least like 5 or more a day to others. It makes me feel so good.
August 17, 2018 @ 7:30 pm
Red looks so good on you!! Great pictures and of course I absolutely loved your post.
Candace
http://www.thebeautybeau.com
August 17, 2018 @ 8:56 pm
Thank you for being so honest about your mental health! I always appreciate when other people share the real side of their life. and yes, a single compliment can completely turn a day around – the valet was right! you do have beautiful skin and red looks great on you!
August 18, 2018 @ 12:08 am
Aw I love this post!! Compliments are such an easy thing to give to others, but make such a big difference!
Kileen
cute & little
August 18, 2018 @ 10:28 am
It is truly crazy how an unsolicited compliment from a stranger can turn your day around. I remember compliments from strangers that really resonated with me from years ago! This post encourages me to reach out and compliment strangers more often.
August 18, 2018 @ 10:39 am
The dress is stunning! Giving and receiving compliments is the best.
August 18, 2018 @ 3:25 pm
Oh wow! Thank you for sharing and yes i def agree! Compliments always have a sure way of bringing me so much joy…
August 19, 2018 @ 8:58 am
You are so brave sharing your story. you are an inspiration! keep inspiring others.
August 19, 2018 @ 3:44 pm
I JUST ADORE COMPLIMENTS THAT COME OUT OF NOWHERE LIKE THIS – ESPECIALLY WHEN THEY’RE INCREDIBLY NEEDED. TODAY, I WAS FEELING A HOT MESS, MYSELF, AND SOMEONE RECOGNIZED ME AT A COFFEE SHOP AND TOLD ME THEY LOVED MY INSTAGRAM. SOUNDS LIKE A SIMILAR STORY TO YOURS. IT JUST LIFTS THE SPIRITS SO MUCH! I’M GLAD YOU’RE SHARING THIS CAMPAIGN AND BEING VULNERABLE ABOUT THE PLACE YOU’RE CURRENTLY IN!!!
August 19, 2018 @ 11:47 pm
You have such a cool sense of style!
Briana
https://beyoutifulbrunette.com/
August 20, 2018 @ 8:40 am
It just goes to show a bit of kindness can go so far! Someone once told me that paying someone a compliment costs you nothing but can mean everything so don’t be stingy with them. This post really reminded me of that!
August 20, 2018 @ 10:37 am
A genuine compliment from a stranger is always nice to hear. Pass along the kindness!
August 20, 2018 @ 2:08 pm
This outfit is stunning! I think my favorite part is the cute bag,
August 20, 2018 @ 2:39 pm
You look stunning in red, and that dress is just gorgeous. i love the ruffles. your post is a great reminder on kindness. even the smallest acts always make a difference.
Xx, Nailil
http://thirtyminusone.com/
August 21, 2018 @ 2:25 pm
I wish people would be more kind. I think your post is so thoughtful and aptly timed. Here’s to everyone treating others the right way!
August 22, 2018 @ 8:29 am
I absolutely love this message. It’s so true that there is so much power in one compliment. You never know who might need to hear kind words 🙂
August 22, 2018 @ 9:59 am
such a great post about kindness and Wow, the dress looks so damn good on you.
August 22, 2018 @ 11:25 am
You look like a goddess. Mesmerising
August 22, 2018 @ 5:27 pm
Compliments are free to give. However, some People may not Thank you because they have such an ingrained negative self-image. A quick smile is enough.
August 23, 2018 @ 1:17 am
I really love your dress, red is one of my favorite colors.. It so fun and flirty
August 23, 2018 @ 8:51 am
Somedays people are put into your path for those exact A-ha moments, so you realize that you do make a DIFFERENCE to others and there are good people out in the world just trying to make a impact no matter how small.
August 23, 2018 @ 12:04 pm
What an amazing thing to do! Oh, and I love your pictures!
August 24, 2018 @ 2:19 am
I think this is such a great challenge!! I’m all for small acts of kindness as well as staying optimistic!
xo, Laura
August 24, 2018 @ 3:24 pm
1. this dress is GORGEOUS on you!! I love the red on you.
2. Also such great points, i love RECEIVING compliments from strangers out of no where and love giving them out myself