So often has it been said that the deepest craving of human nature is the need to feel appreciated. In fact, the high spots in our lives come about through encouragement from someone else. And if we study the lives of successful people we will find out that at one time or another, somebody gave them a positive push – a word of optimism and hope. “You can do it” words of encouragement changed their outlook in life and encouraged them to do outstanding feats.

On the other hand, there are people whose self-esteem is low. They do not believe in themselves and in their abilities. They got stuck in their self-imposed limitations. Chances are these people have been the victims of words of insult, ridicule, and criticism in the past which have been ingrained in their systems like super adhesive glue. Meaning that the more the victims try to free themselves from negative comments or negative self-image that may have been uttered to them over the years, the more frustrated the persons become as the negative words got stucked like super glue.

Let me share with the readers of this column the story of Star Daily, a notorious killer and ruthless robber in England. After studying the life of Star Daily, it was found out that his bitterness in life started in childhood. On one occasion, Daily was having a difficult time reading a passage from a book in front of his class. The whole class, including his sister, was laughing at him. As Daily turned to the teacher for support, she too was laughing at him.

The timid boy exploded in anger. He threw the book against the wall and ran out of the door. As he left the classroom, Daily shouted, “You will fear me. You will hate me. But this will be the last time you laugh at me!” The rest is history. Daily killed, looted, and humiliated people for the remainder of his life. All because Daily was laughed at by his classmates and the teacher. He was not born a criminal. Looking back, Daily would not have killed and robbed so many people and would have probably led a normal life had he been given words of encouragement instead of being ridiculed.

Let’s make it part of our life to encourage others. There are millions of people going to bed every night hungry for a simple and sincere word of encouragement and appreciation. In the same way that there are millions of people whose achievements have been pulled down by negative comments and criticism of others that have stuck to their memories like super adhesive glue. Finally, there are millions of people like Daily who led evil lives because of an insult or ridicule.

A sincere word of cheer, of appreciation, of encouragement will make a person feel important and can help dreams and ambitions become reality. In this nitpicking and fault-finding world, a compliment and words of positive praise are rare gems.

Have a joyful day!