A Compliment Revolution: Why We Need to (Re)Learn the Art of Appreciation 💫

I had a big aha recently. One of those insights that hits so deep, you wonder how you ever missed it. And I think it’s something many of us can relate to, no matter our age or stage in life.

Let me take you back:
As children and teens, most of us were never taught how to compliment the opposite sex (or even friends of the same sex!) without it turning into something romantic or awkward. Remember those school days? If you told a classmate how much you admired them, chances are it would get twisted. Suddenly, it meant you “like-liked” them. That simple act of appreciation became risky, loaded with implications, and so, most of us learned to hold our admiration back.

Fast forward to adulthood.
I recently sent a heartfelt voice message to an old friend from high school. Yes, a MAN. About how inspired I was by an incredible presentation he gave, his generosity of spirit and the positive impact he’s making in the world. As two happily married adults, it felt safe, genuine, and so necessary. But it hit me: if I’d tried to say those same words as a teenager, it would have been misunderstood, maybe even embarrassing for both of us.

Here’s the big revelation:
So many of us are STILL holding back from sharing genuine, soul-nourishing compliments, all because we’re afraid of being misinterpreted. And in the process, we’re robbing each other, and ourselves, of those moments of being seen, valued, and uplifted.

Imagine if we could look at compliments differently, through the eyes of our higher selves:

A true compliment is soul seeing soul. It’s a radiant gift, given freely, no strings attached. When you recognize and name the light in another, you’re simply reflecting Source back to Source. There is nothing confusing or conditional about this exchange. You are anchoring more light into the world, and that is always a blessing.

The Lesson for All of Us (and Our Kids!)

Let’s reframe the way we see this, for ourselves, and for the next generation.
Let’s teach and practice:

• Complimenting someone is a celebration, not a confession.

• Your words have the power to help others feel truly seen and valued, without expectation or confusion.

• Practicing genuine appreciation (yes, even across genders!) creates a culture of connection and confidence, not awkwardness or discomfort.

• When we freely share honest, non-romantic admiration, we all rise. The world needs more of this!

TRY THIS BRAVE LIFE PRACTICE:

✨ Notice what’s awesome in someone and say it out loud, in a text, in a note.
✨ Be specific, be kind, and let your intention be clear: I see you, and I appreciate you.
✨ Encourage the men, boys, and people in your life to receive compliments as pure appreciation—nothing more, nothing less. You’re casting a spell of confidence and potential, helping them rise into who they are meant to be.

Let’s raise a generation who aren’t afraid to uplift one another, who know that shining a light on someone’s greatness is simply love in action.

I wish I had known this as a kid - - but I’m grateful to know it now. And I’m even more grateful to share it with you.

So, here’s my compliment to you: Thank you for being brave enough to grow, to love, and to lead by example. You’re making the world brighter, one genuine word at a time.