Your Simple Phrases Have The Power Brighten Someone's Day

Take Pen to Paper: Edition 10

I could see her outline through daycare door. “NiNi! That’s my NiNi!”

Have you ever thought how simple phrases brighten your day? Or make you feel understood? Phrases we often take for granted. So simple to say, yet not said regularly.

Phrases expressing happiness or concern.

• It’s good to see you.

• I’m so glad you came.

• I’ve been thinking of you.

Words in response to listening.

• You must be disappointed.

• I understand why you’re worried.

• I’m glad you told me.

Words that express a happy response to someone or an empathetic understanding after listening take just moments to say.

We often take our time together for granted. “Of course, I’ll see them again. I can tell them later.” Or “They know how I feel.”

If that were true, why are we so pleased to hear such words from others? 

When I meet my neighbor out walking, she never fails to say, “It was so good to see you today.” We don’t know each other well. Our conversations are brief. Her comment always brightens my day. 

Do the people in your life know how you feel? Do you reinforce that knowledge?

My granddaughter ran out of the daycare doors, “NiNi! You came to get me! It’s been a long time, I’ve missed you!” It had been four days.

Is there any doubt about how she feels?

Maybe when words are spoken by a four-year-old, they are more heartfelt. I loved hearing them. Maybe we need to take a lesson from a child. We need to use words and show our vulnerability.

Challenge yourself to use a simple phrase to brighten someone’s day.

Standing Man with Radiating Words (2006) by Leslie Dill. Photo by S.G.S Abel

7 Days, 7 Thoughts on Gratitude and Good

1. Standing Man with Radiating Words (2006) by Leslie Dill is one of my favorites in the Sydney and Walda Bestoff Sculpture Garden in New Orleans. Don’t we all radiate words? Choose your words carefully.

2. Jack Freeman’s article about The Subtle Art of Daily Empathy and Validation is directly related to today’s post. A very worthy read and a great newsletter to subscribe to.

3. It’s good to put yourself and your simple phrases out into the world. Watch this 2-minute video by Akta about putting yourself out there.

4. I’m grateful for the opportunities I’ve had to listen to children, both my own and those at school. Their words honestly reflect their environment and perception of it.

5. “I shall become a master in this art only after a great deal of practice.” -Erich Fromm. Using words that bring happiness and demonstrate understanding is a skill that can be learned. You must practice.

6. I’m grateful for my dogs. In their own way, their words are always words of devotion and love.

7. Haven’t heard from someone in a while? It’s good to reach out and check on those you care about.

Thank you for reading!

Do you know something good I should know about? Leave a comment!

-Susan