"Making 2013 A Better Year"

“The Magic of a Compliment” by Alice Chase

There’s magic in a compliment, and little words of praise

Are sure to lift our spirits and brighten up our days.

It’s great to be applauded for an honor we have won

Or accept congratulations for a job that’s been well done.

But maybe we forget that other folks deserve a few

Appreciative comments and are eager for them, too.

Perhaps we pass up chances that are right before our eyes

To make somebody else’s face light up in glad surprise…

At an unexpected tribute, a word or two of praise,

That would bolster up their spirits and brighten up their days.

It really isn’t difficult to cultivate the knack

Of making others happy with a pat upon the back.

And once we get the habit, we won’t find it any chore

To say nice things to people-- we’ll enjoy it more and more.

For every time we add to someone’s confidence and pride,

We ourselves are bound to feel a pleasant glow inside.

That’s why we say there’s magic in those little words of praise

And beauty in a compliment—because it works both ways!