28/07/2026
🌟 How good are you at receiving a compliment?
Yesterday, during a group session with a charity supporting adults with disabilities, we spent some time exploring kindness.
We did a simple exercise where everyone had the opportunity to share something kind about another person in the group.
And one moment really stayed with me.
When one person had kind things said about her, she became quite uncomfortable hearing them.
It got me thinking...
How many of us are actually much better at giving kindness than receiving it?
Someone says:
"You did a great job."
And we respond:
"Oh, it was nothing."
"I could have done better."
"Don't be silly!"
Or we quickly turn the compliment back towards the other person.
Especially here in the UK, we're pretty good at brushing off compliments. 😂
But what if, instead of immediately dismissing the kind words, we simply paused and said:
"Thank you."
No explanation.
No minimising.
No awkward attempt to give the compliment back.
Just thank you.
Kindness isn't only about what we give to others. It's also about allowing ourselves to receive it.
So here's a little mindfulness challenge:
The next time someone gives you a genuine compliment, pause before you automatically dismiss it.
Take a breath.
Let the words land.
And simply say...
🌟Thank you.
You don't have to agree with everything someone says about you. But perhaps we could all get a little better at allowing ourselves to hear the good things others see in us.
And if you're reading this thinking, "I hate receiving compliments!"...
You're definitely not alone! 😂
Are you good at accepting compliments, or do you immediately try to wriggle out of them?
