In Praise of Praise

At times we can forget to give our friends, family and colleagues a small word of praise. Perhaps we underestimate the power of a 'thank you' or a 'well done', but often a little affirmation stretches beyond the sky and has the ability to harness confidence, inspire faith and lift the clouds from someone's day.

It is important to encourage one another, to celebrate each other's achievements - however small or large - and to impart a little kindness and warmth to those around us.

Productivity, duty, responsibility and ambition are wonderful things, but human beings need affirmation, need positive reinforcement and a little acknowledgement in their lives. A smile, a hug, a sentence like 'you're doing incredible' goes a long way. In fact. It goes beyond our wildest thoughts.

Lately, on one of my biking treks, I came to work my way up a steep hill. A passing driver got out of his car, stood by the road and started clapping. He smiled and said, 'you're doing amazing! You've got this'. I laughed and kept pushing. This perfect stranger gave me all the lightness and affirmation I needed in that moment - and changed how I felt about that hill. More profoundly - he shifted how I felt about life that morning. I had come so far and really... I was doing amazing.

It is vital we actively and regularly express praise and notice the incredibly unique qualities of those we work with, live with, share hobbies with or spend our time with.

We all need a little encouragement and a little love - so never hold back on your kindness or words of affirmation. You never know who's day or life you might brighten or enrich. Praise is something we can all give - with ease and hopefully with pleasure. It has the power to charge and truly stimulate

those we love the most.