When did it become “cool” to point out the negatives rather than embrace the positives? At times I feel like I’m swimming in a sea of negativity. The media and even people around me are constantly pointing out flaws and I’m sick of it.

The world needs more compliments and positivity.

The power of a compliment is unstoppable. Something as simple as an act of admiration can impact someone to great lengths. So let me ask you, if you could change someone’s day in a positive way with just a few simple words, what’s stopping you? That is what ultimately bothers me most. Why do people go out of their way to be negative? What makes us so jealous that we have to tear each other down? And what exactly are the negative people gaining from using their mean words? Nothing. Instead, we can all choose to be the positive light that gives people hope.

I vividly remember the point in my life when I realized the importance of giving people compliments. I had an art class at the beginning of this past school year with a few of my friends and there was this one girl that sat at the table next to me. We had never talked before, she was a senior and I was a sophomore and we had never had a class together before, but despite our unfamiliarity with each other, she would constantly socialize with me and would even compliment me. She would say things like "you're outfit looks so cute today!" or "you have the prettiest laugh!" and it was at this exact moment in my life when I realized how beautiful a compliment can be. I had underrated giving compliments for my whole life but now things were becoming clearer and I realized the importance of spreading compliments and how easy it can actually be. This girl didn't know me and we weren't close friends, but she still continued to reach out to me and make my day a little brighter with her kind words-and I think that's beautiful.

I can’t even explain how grateful I am for this one girl and the incredible life lesson she taught me. Complimenting people is one of my favorite things to do because the smile you give the person you're complementing is priceless and so is the feeling you receive from doing so. These days, I make sure to compliment everyone in my life and make people feel beautiful and appreciated every single day.

A compliment can range from mentioning someone’s sparkling appearance to what type of person they are on the inside. A simple ”that dress looks great on you!” or, “you’re the sweetest person I know,” can change someone’s entire outlook. For the next week, I challenge you to go out of your way to compliment a stranger once a day. Heck, make it twice a day if you’re feeling risky! After the week is over, I guarantee you’ll find yourself feeling more confident and people around you who notice your new habit of complimenting people will appreciate you as a kind and encouraging individual. I’d even bet money that after the week is over, you’ll find yourself subconsciously complimenting people more often.

I can’t think of a better way to end this article than by leaving you with a compliment; you are making a difference, I appreciate you, and you look really great today! Please continue to spread some positive energy!