I do have one. A scrapbook of compliments that I’ve received over the years. But it’s virtual – it’s kept in my mind. You know how negative words stay with us and keep replaying in our minds? So do positive words and it’s important that we start replaying those instead!

I know how the cycle goes.

Maybe everything went wrong with the kids and the house today. Maybe you made a mistake at work and your boss was disappointed in you. Maybe a friend didn’t respond to you when you reached out. Maybe you were on Facebook and saw that 10 people you know are seemingly super-blessed right now and succeeding at life while your life feels like a failure. Maybe you fell short of reaching a goal that was really important to you. And then?

Then you feel like failure and a mess and all the negative words, sometimes from others, more often from yourself, come flooding back into your mind. I don’t need to repeat the negative words here – you know them and can probably give me at least 3 examples of your own negative-speak right off the top of your head. And the more you repeat it, the more you believe it. And the more you believe it, the more you live it.

The Power of Positive Words

I get it. I have my own negative words. But I choose to push them out again and again (and yes, I’m kind of an optimist) and choose the positive words instead. Some of my positive words are in the form of compliments I have received over the years. I keep them in my scrapbook. My imaginary scrapbook. As I flip through the pages in my mind, I read through my saved compliments. Words like:

You have a really great smile.
You have stage presence. Even if only a tree, everyone would know you were there.
You always lift my spirits.
You’re so laid back. I think God put you in my life to teach me patience.
You’re a good listener.
You’re beautiful.
You’re a great storyteller. You should write novels.
You are classy.
You are an encouragement to others.

Each of those compliments are a blessing. And I choose to believe them, no matter how long ago they were given! They help me when Life isn’t going quite the way I expect and the negative self-talk begins to creep in. If I need to repeat them over and over until they sink in, I’ll do that. No matter what happens, I choose the positive words and I choose to keep on flashing my really great smile and encouraging others. I KNOW that you have been given compliments in your lifetime. Stop and think back right now. What compliments have stayed with you through the years? What positive things have people said to you recently (whether you believed them or not)?

A Scrapbook of Compliments

I want you to gather up those positive words and compliments and make your own virtual scrapbook right now. It’s not necessary to remember who told you what or the exact words. But I want you to lock them in your mind right now. Better yet? Write them out, like I did. And read them. Again. And again. Let these words push out those negative ones you keep letting in and listening to. You are unique and wonderfully made. Nobody can be a better you than you.

If you are struggling to come up with the positive words because you have avoided them for too long or forgotten them, I’ll let you borrow some. Here’s your scrapbook to borrow until you are able to add your own pages. (Click the arrow underneath the image to see all the pages.)

Scrapbook of Compliments by From Lisa Marie

Once you realize how powerful these positive words can be for your own self, you’ll realize how much they can mean to someone else. Why do we hold ourselves back from giving compliments and expressing our positive thoughts about others? Be brave today and give your friends, family, or even strangers heartfelt, sincere compliments. Tell them in person, on the phone, or in writing, but do tell them. You might be helping them add a page to their own scrapbook of compliments so that they can stop focusing on the negative.

I hope you can make this shift and believe the compliments that have been given to you. I’d like to help you stand up a little straighter, hold your head up high, and find your smile. Prayers & virtual hugs from me today, friends.

If you want to be encouraged and want a little help finding your smile, let’s connect. Join me in my new Facebook Group, Find Your Smile (click on over and request to Join), and join my list by clicking here so you can stay connected.

In case you wonder how I can stay positive, and think that maybe my life must be so much better than yours – know that I’m just like you. I experienced childhood issues, divorced parents, mental illness in my family, infertility, deaths of loved ones, motherhood, etc. I have a heart filled with joy and optimism, even in sadness, mainly because I am a Christian. No matter how bad this life gets, I know how it all works out in the end (Jesus wins!) and I get to go to my real home – Heaven. That doesn’t mean that I don’t struggle and need reminders to focus on the positive. But I know that there are blessings hidden in struggles and sunshine above the rain clouds. Love to you all!