Creative Life Center

Our Amazing Power
By Sharon Niman Lundgren
In my past blog, Gamifying Our Annoyances, I wrote how a local grocery store is overrun in the mornings with bus loads of tourists heading to Yosemite. On Fridays, this store has their $5 specials, many of which are in the deli. Between the local customers wanting the sales and the tourists wanting their sandwiches, the deli is slammed. The stress visibly shows in the staff as well as the irritation on the faces of the customers. A couple of weeks ago, the servers were zooming around quickly taking care of everyone. After I got served by the deli manager I told her what a great job they were doing while under pressure from the tourists. I let her know how much I appreciated them. This woman’s face instantly lit up and she thanked me profusely and wished me a good day and an even better weekend. A lift was also visible in her step. I changed this situation for her and probably for the customers after me simply by taking the time to Praise.

We possess several magical powers that alter reality. Two of these are praise and appreciation, all part of the gratitude family which we celebrate this season. I’ve written numerous articles on the power of spreading the “compliment sauce”. The message is always worth repeating. We are quick to notice what’s wrong and complain either under our breath to ourselves or directly to others. Complaining lowers the energy of every environment. However, sometimes there are wrongs we need to help right, but simply criticizing doesn’t fix them unless we are also part of the solution by actually contributing positive ideas for change.

That being said, what if we approach situations, things, and people differently? What if we set our intention to look for and find the good in everything, even if circumstances initially appear troubling? When we focus on the good, we’ll experience more of it. We’ll manifest situations that bless us and transform negative situations into a blessing. When we hunt for gold, we will find gold.

Let’s also look for the treasure in others. Compliment generously. Praise them for what they are doing well. That inspires them to do even better. This past week I returned to that grocery deli looking for their gourmet pizza that was on special. They only had the cheese flavor in the case. The deli was again busy with tourists. I just called out that I had a question about whether there were more flavors of the pizza. One the workers remembered me, stopped what she was doing, went to the back, and returned with other varieties of pizza for me. She put me ahead of the tourists that were waiting. All because I praised them the week before.

And praise is contagious. When we praise people, they spread that compliment sauce onto others. Then everything and everyone raises higher.

Do you want to transform your life? You have the magnificent power to do so. Start praising and giving thanks for all that is right and good in your life and the world. Then life will change. The Universe will move you ahead of rest. And you’ll get much better service everywhere you go. Use your power and spread that compliment sauce!