Image by Sheila Santillan
“I will not follow where the path may lead, but I will go
where there is no path, and I will leave a trail.”
— MURIEL STRODE, POET
It all began with a Post-it note and three simple words. Good morning, beautiful. It was meant to be a reminder from my husband that I am treasured. Neither of us is totally certain when it began, but I recall telling him I’d love that statement in lieu of a gift for Valentine’s Day... three little words, professed every day out loud. That would be the perfect present.
From that day forward, my husband has repeated the phrase “Good morning, beautiful.” A handful of years later, he still tells me those words one way or another every morning. This tradition is a signal we are connected. His words have also popped up by my cereal bowl in the morning, affixed to my coffee cup, and posted on the bathroom mirror, leaving a trail of kindness. These little loving gestures, in turn, remind me of the power of loving him out loud, too.
It isn’t just love in the romantic sense of the word, but rather the ability to profess out loud feelings we have when we adore, cherish, or care about someone or something. It’s the excitement and passion we experience when we feel alive and connected. It’s about being engaged with life and conscious of something greater than ourselves. It’s about giving of ourselves because it’s the right thing to do.
The phrase “loving out loud” refers to a way to live openly and without regret. It’s moving from rapid-fire emoticons to thoughtfully emoting. It’s recognizing the power of a gentler, spoken word infused with a generous spirit.
When positive feelings are shared out loud, we give the gift of validation, inspiration, and love. And the best part? Someone hears us, believes what we said, and feels valued. That’s a wow in my book.
Set A Little Love In Motion
Every day we can wake up joyful, stay positive, and set a little love in motion. With this book’s mission, together we have the potential to be a reservoir of goodness and a wellspring of kindness. Keeping positive thoughts locked up in our minds limits our ability to create more goodwill, and that’s a waste. It’s that simple.
A good life is built one day at a time. Catch yourself or someone else doing something wonderful, and take notice. Slow down enough to connect with your caring and generous heart. Keep your words kind and your actions selfless, gracious, and accountable. That’s what this book is about.
The Ripple Effect of Happiness
When we share a positive thought, the ripple effect is a vibration of happiness that has the potential to spark or strengthen a relationship. It puts a little pep in our step.
Each of us can make someone else’s day happy and influence their thoughts. Every day we can leave a reminder of our intentions and be a source of light to others, a blessing.
By being the change we wish to see, we show others how we hope to be treated in return. Words go a long way, especially when they are shared out loud.
Heartfelt, Optimistic Dialogue Affects Our Well-Being
Kindness is contagious, but even more than that, kind words can be transformative if we believe and act on them. Quite a few luminaries agree on that. Alexander the Great, the Dalai Lama, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, Confucius, Ralph Waldo Emerson, Kahlil Gibran, William Wordsworth, and even my beloved mother and father. Add important studies done by leading psychologists and experts on matters of the human heart and mind, and it’s clear that heartfelt, optimistic dialogue affects our well-being.
Sounds simple, but I know it’s not always easy to express ourselves. It takes practice. A commitment.
While kind words emerge from me with ease, many of us were not brought up being told how much we matter. If, on the other hand, we were raised with serial optimism, that’s not to be confused with Pollyanna or maple syrup or wearing rose-colored glasses.
It’s basic nurturing. Loving life out loud and sharing positive feelings captures a moment in time and preserves it. When I feel something kindhearted, I try not to resist the impulse to put it into words.
Loving Each Other and The World Around Us Out Loud
I have realized more than ever that we can all be inspired to love each other — partners, children, family, friends — and the world around us out loud. When we exercise optimism and look for the good in others, we find more good. Writing down our feelings gives them a voice, but our actual voice, infused with kindness and generously disposed to others, has the unique power to spread hope and happiness.
I’m touched by people who never miss the opportunity to express themselves in uplifting ways. They embody the best of the human spirit and remind us of what a good life looks like.
When it comes to living and giving out loud, watch how when we lighten another person’s load, we brighten our own world.
©2019 by Robyn Spizman. All Rights Reserved.
Reprinted with permission of the publisher,
New World Library. http://www.newworldlibrary.com
Article Source
Loving Out Loud: The Power of a Kind Word
by Robyn Spizman
Loving Out Loud is a little book with a big message: you have the power to make a positive impact on someone’s day, every day, and it isn’t nearly as hard as you think. Robyn Spizman has spent her career ?nding ways to make others happy with gifts and actions. Observing how the smallest compliment or remark of appreciation can transform an awkward moment into one of connection and joy, she set out to ?nd words and acts designed to let someone else know we are paying attention, we care, and we appreciate them. With LOL Snapshots and LOL daily suggestions in numerous categories, Loving Out Loud is poised to inspire a movement toward a kinder, more engaged community. (Also available as a Kindle edition.)
About the Author
Robyn Spizman is an award-winning, New York Times bestselling author, speaker, and veteran media personality who has appeared often on NBC’s Today show. Nominated for a Book For A Better Life Award, The USA Today Family Channel Award as well as Georgia’s Author Of The Year, Robyn is a woman of many accomplishments. Business To Business Magazine named Robyn one of Atlanta’s leading women and a Diva of Atlanta’s business world. A popular keynote speaker, she has entertained audiences across the country with passionate and lively presentations on a variety of topics including gift giving, consumer topics, women’s issues, shopping, inspirational themes, promoting yourself, book writing and other timely ideas. Dedicated to community service, Robyn Spizman served on the Make-A-Wish Foundation of America’s National Advisory Council. Visit her website at http://www.robynspizman.com.
