The Strengthening of Recognition

In the past few years, I began to set certain goals for myself. Strange goals, mind you. Not goals in the sense of what one normally thinks when one determines to set about on a mission of accomplishment. The first of said goals was this: make a point of unexpectedly complimenting people. Particularly people with whom I have no relationship. Now, this may sound odd, to go about randomly complimenting utter strangers. But most people, particularly us womenfolk, get a sensational boost when lauded over our choice of shirt color, shoes or even lipstick. I've found in the past that a simple compliment can lift my spirits for the remainder of my day, in a way similar to when one wears those cute new undies for the first time. Don't laugh, girls. You know exactly what I'm talking about!

Compliments received can become the donee's little secret, a private moment of pleasure in what very well may otherwise be a mundane day. It tends to stick to you, like a little bit of glue that concertedly brings the pieces of your day together. There is just something about being noticed, unanticipated, that can be a hallelujah moment.

Part of the human condition is often that feeling of blending in with the crowd, as if you were just white noise in the midst of a hurricane, insignificant in the grandeur of the surrounding atmosphere. I doubt that there is a single person on earth who would not be able to relate to that sensation of being in the melting pot, of not having a differentiator that allows one to be unique. We have been hardwired from birth to want to be an exclusive, a one-of-a-kind. And yet, in the insanity that some call life, one can feel like just a small drop in the coffee pot of humanity.

Being noticed by a complete stranger in the hallway that yes, in fact, your shoes are quite stunning can give you that sense of being just a little bit different from everyone else. To be acknowledged that there is something about you that stands out, that is noticeable, can be rather exhilarating. Call it silly, but I have found it to be true in my own life and so I imagine that others would find the recognition of that discriminate in themselves through the simplicity of a compliment to be a day brightener as well.

I've seen sad faces lifted, weary smiles strengthened and a little extra spring added to another's steps by a few simply spoken words. There is just something about being noticed, isn't there?