It’s been cold the last few days. And by cold I mean “why is the Earth actively trying to kill me” cold. I’m actually okay that it is cold. I live here for a reason. I like seasons and right now the season is Winter and it’s supposed to be cold. I’m happy that today, however, we are having a heat wave and the temperature is a balmy 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
I made some breaded chicken breasts in the oven last night. It was truly minimal effort but it turned out pretty well. I was particularly happy that the daughter (9 going on 16 years old) enjoyed it enough to tell me how good it was. She’s super smart and has a good heart, though that heart doesn’t always shine through to the surface. So for her to clear her plate it is a big deal. And it made the little time I took to prepare the meal worth it. It was nice.
There’s no real point to this post other than it’s a good thing to tell people you appreciate what they do, and tell them when they’ve done something good. And when you are on the receiving end of the compliment, it’s a good thing to take a moment and let the compliment wash over you. And let it lift your spirits, even on a bitterly cold day.
The Struggling Writer 
You have a great way with words! I feel like the winter is trying to kill me too but instead of stating it so perfectly as you did, I am vowing to stay inside, possibly even in bed if I can pull it off, until spring. Love that you saw a glimpse of gratitude from your daughter. Again, so well put! Have been there, too! You may need to change “struggling writer” to “nailing it.”
Thank you! Such kind words warm my day 🙂
Get the warmth where you can, right? Ha! You’re welcome.
Absolutely. Everyone needs to feel appreciated, especially for the little things.
True!
I’m loving the cold where I am too. It feels nice that winter has finally arrived, rain in January felt unnatural.
I agree!
When I was young and I won an award or earned a compliment, I just let it go right past. There were bigger things in the future, right?
Now the awards and compliments don’t come quite so often and I wish I had stopped and appreciated them more when they did!
One of the compliments I really miss and feel almost embarrassed to admit are the ones I used to get from my grandmothers. Those “you are so handsome” compliments. I miss them because of the source and just because it’s nice to hear sometimes.
I find it reassuring to know I’m not the only one who’s experienced the 9-going-on-16 phenomenon that girls seem to go through. On the other hand, mine is, at the moment, 13 going on 30, and I think I’d prefer 9 going on 16.
I thought I was done with the teen years, but they’re only just getting started. What I wouldn’t give to have them all out of the way again…
We will stand together in solidarity!
May we surive the teen years (and the pre-teens) with our sanity intact! 🙂