You Are Awesome

I'm sure all of you remember the fictional character Hugh Newman. To him, every one is special. He does what he does just to see them smile. It's good to make others smile, because as we all know smiling helps alleviate our moods and make us feel bright, special and joyful. And remember he does this without any prejudice. He doesn't care what people think of them. He doesn't care if the world trods on their heads. He doesn't care if they don't like how the world behaves now. He just wants them to smile. And all that takes is a kind word and a smile from yourself. =)

It's always difficult to change our ways, especially when it comes to prejudice. We judge someone from what we've seen and heard from others, not what we've seen and heard from ourselves and the subject of prejudice. It's a bad habit that affects every one, and we need to put an end to it once and for all. Not only will it do them some justice, but in fact it helps you too! When you stop judging others, everyone you meet is awesome. Every single person, no matter their race, skin color, religion or principles, will be just like you. And as an added bonus, you'll have more friends too!

Now I have a little challenge for you. Remember when I told you about Dr. George Crane's Compliment Club? Just do it the same way they do it. Set all prejudices aside. Smile. Be genuinely friendly, polite and concerned for them. Ask them things like, "How was your day?" or "Are you OK?" At the end of the day, write down your feelings when you did so and how, as time goes by, your interactions with them changes too. Do this for at least 3 months and write your observations. Sure, it will be hard the first time around, but it becomes second nature as you keep it up.

If you think you've reached that point when everything has come round for the better, share it with your pals. Tell them it works. In fact, if it makes you happy, tell me about your progress. I will definitely share your happiness. But don't stop there! Even when you've fulfilled the criteria, why not make it a daily routine? You'll be brightening up the lives of the people around you, and you may just brighten up the lives of those who are in the category of "the Lost, the Least and the Lonely." You may just lift them out of their misery!

If you need a little bit of help, you can always ask your friends for some help. But don't ask them questions like, "Do I sound like a hypocrite?" or "Does he/she really deserve that kind of attention?" You're not making things any better for yourself. Yes, you read right: YOURSELF! If you let prejudice cloud your actions, you're not going anywhere. You'll be in the exact same spot you stood in many years ago. So shove them aside. As you continue giving genuine, unconditional compliments, all prejudice you had for them will be replaced by mutual understanding and respect. It's because you now know them personally.

In this modern world, much of our feelings for one another is left to rot in the sidelines. We can't let that continue to plague our minds. We need to be genuinely concerned for each other. We need to be there for one another. The old quote "Laugh, and the world laughs with you; cry, and you cry alone" cannot apply anymore. So let's all take a cue from Hugh Newman and Dr. Crane - tell people how awesome they really are. Make them feel awesome. You have that power - use it!

Cheers!