Learn to Take a Compliment

Last week I had the privilege to be in the presence of some of the most profound positive energy with 11 amazing women. Angela Oetken of Soothing Aesthetics in Wichita and Bella Dessa hosted a beautiful gathering of some of my closest friends in the Wichita area for a drum circle gathering. They surprised me by sending the light and energy created within the drum circle and meditation to you and I and your dad and our new adventures. They treated me by offering words of the kindest stories and memories of their time spent with me filled with well wishes for our future. Each woman presented me with words of praise and thanksgiving and I was verklempt, elated, overcome with a wave of emotion. To sit in the presence of such beautiful, strong women and hear the impact I have made in their lives was a once in a lifetime experience. It was one of the most precious moments in my life that I won’t soon forget.

It's not often that a group sits together to honor the life of someone still living, to share a heartfelt moment of how much impact that person has had on your life. It used to be uncomfortable to take compliments. I would brush it off, deflect, look away and avoid eye contact, and respond with a negative comment of myself. None of which is an attractive response. To respond instead with graciousness and thanksgiving is a much harder feat. To look that person in the eye as they speak kind words from the heart, and truly see what they see reflected from their soul to yours is a precious gift.

I challenge you, the next time you receive such a rare and beautiful gift of heartfelt compliment, that you take it in and receive all the feels. You are worthy, you are deserving. Be confident, be true, believe in the beautiful gift you are to this world. There is only one you and that’s pretty damn special.