Never Admire Quietly:5/24
From the journal May 2024:
Lately, I’ve been struck by a simple yet profound truth: never admire quietly. It’s one of those phrases that resonates deeply, like a gentle nudge from the universe reminding me of the power of words, of connection, of the beauty that comes from sharing our appreciation with others. How often do we sit in silence, feeling those warm, fuzzy feelings of admiration for someone’s talent, kindness, or strength, yet fail to voice it? It’s almost as if we’re hoarding our compliments like rare treasures, afraid to part with them.
But we humans are so fragile, aren’t we? Our hearts are delicate, beating beneath layers of armor we sometimes wear to protect ourselves from the world. In this fragile state, how important it becomes to give people their flowers while they are still here. When I think about it, how often do we really tell someone what they mean to us? How often do we express gratitude for the ways they uplift us?
I’ve made it a personal mission to voice my admiration, to be that person who sees the light in others and isn’t afraid to shine it back at them. It can be as simple as telling a friend how their laughter lights up a room, or reaching out to a colleague to say, “You handled that presentation beautifully. Your passion was palpable.” I want to celebrate the people in my life, to show them that their existence matters, that they are seen and appreciated.
It’s easy to get caught up in our own lives, to forget to acknowledge the beauty around us. But when I take a moment to step back and reflect, I realize that those small acts of recognition can have a profound impact. They can lift someone’s spirit, spark a sense of belonging, create ripples of joy that spread far beyond the initial compliment.
So, I’ve been thinking about how I can make this a regular practice in my life. Maybe it means sending a heartfelt message to someone who inspires me, or leaving a note for a friend to find, filled with words of encouragement and admiration. It’s about cultivating a culture of appreciation, not just for the grand achievements but for the everyday moments that deserve recognition.
Never admire quietly. It’s a call to action, a reminder that our words have power, that they can heal, uplift, and transform. I want to be the person who gives flowers generously, who celebrates the beauty of those around me without hesitation. Let’s not wait for the perfect moment or the right occasion; let’s create those moments ourselves.
Today, I choose to admire out loud. I choose to speak my truth and share my appreciation. Because in this fragile human existence, what greater gift can we offer than our authentic admiration? Let’s fill the world with flowers, while we still have the chance.
