By Olivene Godfrey

DON"T GRUMBLE AND COMPLAIN

Since I have a lot of time to meditate these days, I was thinking this week about people who reveal failings and deficiencies better left unsaid? Sometimes we say, " Oh, this outfit is terrible," or when we are complimented on our appearance, we say, "I just look awful today." Sometimes we may be unconsciously fishing for compliments.

And there are those persons who suffer from chronic self-pity.
Every sentence they utter reveals an inferiority complex. Then, I guess most of us just talk too much and in the midst of uncontrolled chatter little derogatory confessions are apt to slip out.

Someone said that if people would imagine their slurring remarks directed against themselves were spoken by someone else this might bring about startling results. Guarding against self-depreciation can improve your morale and your self=respect.
Most of us know someone who is physically deformed or someone who suffers from pain or someone who is carrying a huge burden of disappointment and yet they never complain of their troubles.
To everyone, except those closet to you, your troubles are usually a bore.

Shakespeare said, "All the world's a stage, And all the men and women merely players." And perhaps all of us need to remember the rule of the theater, "The show must go on." and play our roles in life without apologies."

A word of praise spoken at the right time can produce wonders. The story is told of an actor who dreamed he played before a crowded theater and while he was receiving a fabulous salary no one applauded or laughed at his performance. And for him the dream was a nightmare. And without some praise and encouragement any one of us can lose all self-confidence.

There is an art to giving compliments. To praise someone for an obvious achievement, is not really a compliment. Try to be original when giving compliments. And it goes without saying that sincerity is an essential factor when giving compliments.
Look for the praise-worthy and the human need for it.

Perhaps if we would remember that it is better to give our bouquets to the living than to wait until it is too late we would not leave unuttered a sincere compliment that would make someone happy. Perhaps children need reassurance most of all.
Sometimes parents are quick to rebuke a child when he misbehaves and slow to praise him when he does behave. The person who masters the art of giving compliments will find that the giver is blessed as much as the receiver.