We need more praise, less venom

There’s not nearly enough praise in the world. There is ‘way too much criticism.

I worked in customer service a long time. My peers called me the Hostage Negotiator. You brought me into hopeless situations, situations not of my making, and I ironed them out with kindness, caring and an unconditional commitment to creating a happy conclusion. We all need to stop, exhale deeply and every day express our thanks to those who help us, especially if we do not know them personally. The SMALLEST sign of gratitude and personal recognition can literally turn someone’s day around. You may not have experienced how powerful this is. We all get shit on every day, insulted, criticized, berated and/or ignored. “Please” and “thank you” cannot possible be said too often. Stepping the least slight out of your way and saying something like, “You have given me a wonderful experience” or “You keep your Uber very clean. You must be proud” instantly distinguishes you from 99+ percent of all people. Think of all the cheering you do in front of the TV, watching wealthy athletes who literally do not care if you live or not. Why do they deserve all your praise but the guy who makes your sandwich JUST RIGHT does not?

Nobody ever got what s/he wanted through anger, condescension, sarcasm, pounding on the table or pulling out a gun. I get what I want by making someone feel liked and feeling valued by me. Then, after that, it may be time to send in SWAT, push them to the floor and cuff them. But not before that.

What goes around absolutely, positively, beyond question comes around, and bad energy comes back three-fold what loving energy does.

Please, be kind. It’s in your own best interests. Thank you.