You wrote this on my birthday, December 24th, though I'm just now reading it. It feels like a special birthday gift—these reminders to be generous with our kindness and words. One simple statement can bring much-needed sunshine into someone's life.
No, not really. I was blessed that my family went out of their way to make my birthday feel special as a kid. Now, I'm old enough to be grateful for another healthy year. LOL.
This is so important to remember. Social media and the constant new cycle gives us the idea that if we're not out there, saving the world we're not having an impact. What as the sages said, each person is a world entire.
The other day I walked into my local CVS pharmacy, and the woman at the register gave me such a cheerful, genuine greeting that she gave a reset to my mind. And I did tell her so on the way out. So yes, go ahead and make someone's day.
I love the idea that each person is "the world." If we keep this in mind we absolutely can change the world every day 😊 I'm glad you rook the time to let that lady know.
I've been doing the compliment a stranger thing at EVERY opportunity, for so long I don't remember when I started. You nailed it by calling it a dual dopamine hit!
I'm so glad you linked to the When a Stranger Locates Your Front Door story---I missed this one (but it was a BC/Before Christ moment for me as I didn't fall into Substack until January of this year).
Several years ago I read an article about the CEO of Disney who said, "How you do anything is how you do everything."
Think of anyone you know---think of everyone you know...the statement is so true. You are another shining example, Kristi! Thanks for keeping me entertained from afar.
So wouldn't that have been a BS moment? Before Substack? 😂
That Instagram story is one of my all-time favs...I wish archives didn't die such quick deaths. Thank you for checking it out.
AND........YOU have also been a bright spot for me this year! Another Canadian, a sweatered hen, a cottage in the woods. What else does anyone need besides a Jules?
BS moment! Throw a copyright symbol on that! I actually had a writer from Bored Panda reach out to me two weeks ago about a post I wrote in 2015 on the now vintage Wordpress platform. So, archives do get unearthed!
Love my 'bio' too---another Canadian, a sweatered hen, a cottage in the woods. I sound like the ultimate accessorized Barbie! Comes with a barrel sauna, pizza oven and IPA 6-pack. Thanks for that, Kristi!
I once watched my dad do this for every single person he could get to look him in the eye as he walked through the Mpls VA. Now the Mpls VA is a huge place (one of the largest medical campuses in North America), and there are a lot of very unhappy people there. My dad made a point of smiling and complimenting, and personally connecting with every soul who would look him back in the eye...and those who didn't, he complimented anyway. It was magick, and something i'll always admire about my dad.
It’s always a pleasure reading from you Kristi. And yes to complimenting women, it’s one of my favourite things to do. Sometimes I extend it to men as well, they get so excited lol.
Thank you for this reminder to spread some kindness and happiness! It’s a good excuse to focus on some positive things too, instead of noticing the rude or annoying things around us.
I've been doing this a lot lately. It's such a fabulous way to connect with another human and put a little more happy into the universe for both of us!
So true, Kristi. That's one reason I always loved that song by Jack Brunt, You're Beautiful. It just makes you feel good--so often we don't compliment, and it can mean a lot to someone.
This was so sweet and wonderful. I love giving compliments and also striking up a convo when possible. I learned so much about a phlebotomist the other day. She was delightful— and good with a needle.
I just returned to Substack after a long break—I’ve been traveling. This morning, when I opened the app for the first time in over a month, your post was the first one I read, and it reminded me of what I’d been missing.
Your story about being complimented by a woman you hadn’t even served beautifully illustrates how your attitude radiates far beyond what you might realize. She reached out to you, but I’m sure there are countless others who’ve noticed and been inspired by you.
I feel the same way about your writing. Every time I read one of your posts or notes, you bring a smile to my face. You’re the embodiment of someone who is kind, joyful, and truly living life to the fullest—all while showing others how it’s done.
Keep sharing your brilliance, Kristi. We’re all rooting for you!
Neera, you probably don't know how incredibly kind and thoughtful your words are. Thank you so much, I appreciate you 💛
Sometimes we're just out here living life unintentionally and then someone points out things you don't necessarily see in yourself. Words can change everything.
Have a beautiful holiday season with your family 😊
Love it! It's so important to just be nice and kind to others, doesn't cost anything extra ❣️
You wrote this on my birthday, December 24th, though I'm just now reading it. It feels like a special birthday gift—these reminders to be generous with our kindness and words. One simple statement can bring much-needed sunshine into someone's life.
Ooooh happy belated Paulette!! I’m so glad this landed on your special day. Does your day typically get overshadowed by Christmas?
No, not really. I was blessed that my family went out of their way to make my birthday feel special as a kid. Now, I'm old enough to be grateful for another healthy year. LOL.
This is so important to remember. Social media and the constant new cycle gives us the idea that if we're not out there, saving the world we're not having an impact. What as the sages said, each person is a world entire.
The other day I walked into my local CVS pharmacy, and the woman at the register gave me such a cheerful, genuine greeting that she gave a reset to my mind. And I did tell her so on the way out. So yes, go ahead and make someone's day.
I love the idea that each person is "the world." If we keep this in mind we absolutely can change the world every day 😊 I'm glad you rook the time to let that lady know.
I've been doing the compliment a stranger thing at EVERY opportunity, for so long I don't remember when I started. You nailed it by calling it a dual dopamine hit!
That's amazing Sherry ❤️ Maybe it was you I ran into all those years ago 😁
I'm so glad you linked to the When a Stranger Locates Your Front Door story---I missed this one (but it was a BC/Before Christ moment for me as I didn't fall into Substack until January of this year).
Several years ago I read an article about the CEO of Disney who said, "How you do anything is how you do everything."
Think of anyone you know---think of everyone you know...the statement is so true. You are another shining example, Kristi! Thanks for keeping me entertained from afar.
So wouldn't that have been a BS moment? Before Substack? 😂
That Instagram story is one of my all-time favs...I wish archives didn't die such quick deaths. Thank you for checking it out.
AND........YOU have also been a bright spot for me this year! Another Canadian, a sweatered hen, a cottage in the woods. What else does anyone need besides a Jules?
BS moment! Throw a copyright symbol on that! I actually had a writer from Bored Panda reach out to me two weeks ago about a post I wrote in 2015 on the now vintage Wordpress platform. So, archives do get unearthed!
Love my 'bio' too---another Canadian, a sweatered hen, a cottage in the woods. I sound like the ultimate accessorized Barbie! Comes with a barrel sauna, pizza oven and IPA 6-pack. Thanks for that, Kristi!
LOL just call me “Bios R Us” 😁
Fun fact: my wife's childhood home is now a Toys "R" Us.
You, Ms. Keller, have been one of the bright spots in my personal cosmos for years now -- and may your 2025 be full of shine!
Likewise, Jan! And seeing you in person on Zoom a few months ago was the icing on the cake 😊 Here's to another year of crossing paths online!
I once watched my dad do this for every single person he could get to look him in the eye as he walked through the Mpls VA. Now the Mpls VA is a huge place (one of the largest medical campuses in North America), and there are a lot of very unhappy people there. My dad made a point of smiling and complimenting, and personally connecting with every soul who would look him back in the eye...and those who didn't, he complimented anyway. It was magick, and something i'll always admire about my dad.
That's beautiful Teri ❤️💙💖
Love this ideology.
It is one of my goals every day to tell one of my friends or a person doing work for me (think the cashier or sales person) how fabulous they are.
Kristi we are so lucky to have you here on Substack.
You are a treasure and a goddess. 💕🦋
Ummmm...likewise Karen! I look forward to our chats every time!
This was great. I’ve been working on writing something similar lately. It’s so important for people to believe their small day-to-day actions matter.
Yesss Henny, they matter so much. The smallest action can make a huge difference 😊
It’s always a pleasure reading from you Kristi. And yes to complimenting women, it’s one of my favourite things to do. Sometimes I extend it to men as well, they get so excited lol.
Have a great holiday. ❤️
Awww, thank you 😊 Happy holidays to you as well!
So, when you throw a random compliment at a man, does it ever get weird like he thinks you're hitting on him?
🤔 it doesn’t get weird. But they do try to talk to me more afterwards.
I love that 😊
Thank you for this reminder to spread some kindness and happiness! It’s a good excuse to focus on some positive things too, instead of noticing the rude or annoying things around us.
Is it rude and annoying that we're both sitting on Substack at 9am on Christmas morning? 🤣
Merry Christmas Tim. I hope you and your family have a beautiful day!
Haha! Waiting for anyone else to get up right now, I think I can Substack!
Merry Christmas, have a great day!
I've been doing this a lot lately. It's such a fabulous way to connect with another human and put a little more happy into the universe for both of us!
So true, Kristi. That's one reason I always loved that song by Jack Brunt, You're Beautiful. It just makes you feel good--so often we don't compliment, and it can mean a lot to someone.
This was so sweet and wonderful. I love giving compliments and also striking up a convo when possible. I learned so much about a phlebotomist the other day. She was delightful— and good with a needle.
I just returned to Substack after a long break—I’ve been traveling. This morning, when I opened the app for the first time in over a month, your post was the first one I read, and it reminded me of what I’d been missing.
Your story about being complimented by a woman you hadn’t even served beautifully illustrates how your attitude radiates far beyond what you might realize. She reached out to you, but I’m sure there are countless others who’ve noticed and been inspired by you.
I feel the same way about your writing. Every time I read one of your posts or notes, you bring a smile to my face. You’re the embodiment of someone who is kind, joyful, and truly living life to the fullest—all while showing others how it’s done.
Keep sharing your brilliance, Kristi. We’re all rooting for you!
Thank you and love you.
Neera, you probably don't know how incredibly kind and thoughtful your words are. Thank you so much, I appreciate you 💛
Sometimes we're just out here living life unintentionally and then someone points out things you don't necessarily see in yourself. Words can change everything.
Have a beautiful holiday season with your family 😊
Awesome sentiment Kristi! You're an incredible person!
Back at you Erik!! It's been awesome getting to know you through your journeys this year!