Say something nice… and reap the benefits!
Some of my favorite moments in this latest Improv Everywhere video, entitled “Say Something Nice”, are from 2:11-2:20. The kid is definitely one of the most adorable things I’ve ever seen, and plays directly to the Pixar-enamoured portion of my heart. But it’s the woman after that really stuck out to me… What she said was sweet, but it was her reaction after saying it that sparked the writing of this post. Her shear happiness after telling the world, “What a beautiful day!”, was a beautiful example of the warmth we feel after spreading positivity in the world. Most of the people who said something into the megaphone in the video left the podium both smiling and excited. Of course, a bunch that exhilaration came out of the nerves it took to spontaneously tell up to 300 of your “closest friends” walking around New York City to “have a great day” at some randomly placed podium. But that’s just it…spreading good news, positive feelings, quick compliments, IS exciting! The rest of the enjoyment came from the fact that it just plain-old feels good to say kind words to others. We feel it in our hearts, we get goosebumps, and we often stutter.
Now please note that I’m not saying the reason we should say nice things to people is so we personally feel better, but I am saying that it is OK to feel good after we do the right thing. If you put positive energy into the world, why shouldn’t you get a little in return? So maybe next time you’re having a bad day, rather than playing the “woh is me” game, or walking around like “Debbie Downer”, “Huffie Harold”, or “Blasé Brandi”, take a second and say something nice to someone. Take the risk, put yourself out there, spread a quick positive message, and let me know how quickly your mood changed after you did it! If you try it and it’s met with apathy or rudeness, don’t pay that person any mind… you did the right thing and that’s all that matters. You can’t help where other people are in their heads, so in the words of Jay-Z, “Go ‘head brush ya shoulders off” and move on!
If you’ve ever tried this, I would love to hear about it! Please share you stories and thoughts below! Also, please check out this link to learn more about Improv Everywhere and the “Say Something Nice” mission!
