I’m sitting down to write these words on a Monday morning after a great workout at my local Planet Fitness. A great workout that I will credit almost fully to a conversation from yesterday. More on that in a moment.
I’ve just completed the manuscript for a new book, The Minimalist Home: A Room-by-Room Guide to a Decluttered, Refocused Life.
I share this next fact with friends, but haven’t really shared it publicly. Writing books is difficult for me. Granted, the books turn out great because of fantastic editors and collaborators. But personally, it’s really hard. In fact, every time I’ve written a book, I’ve gained 15 lbs. during the process. I sit too much, snack too often, and eat too unhealthily (the stress isn’t helpful either).
Since finishing the book a month ago (it releases in December), I’ve been concentrating on my physical health—eating better and exercising more.
Yesterday (Sunday morning), I spoke at a church here in Phoenix, AZ on the connection between minimalism and self-control. You can watch it here. I spoke several times and the day was long. As a result, I didn’t necessarily want to get up early on Monday to hit the gym… except something that a friend said to me at church kept ringing in my mind.
“Wow, you’re looking fit,” was his comment to me almost in passing.
It was a short sentence. And I quickly changed the subject. But still, he said it. He noticed that I’ve been working on my physical health. And I noticed that he noticed. A bit later he added more context to his statement, “I just saw you like three weeks ago—whatever you’re doing must be working.”
I didn’t think too much of his compliment at the time.
In fact, it wasn’t until the next morning that I began to feel its full impact.
You see, this morning when I arrived at the gym for my usual workout, I felt physically tired from the weekend. But I was mentally motivated by my friend’s kind words. In fact, every time I wanted to cheat on an exercise or cut a corner, the words of my friend came back to mind.
“You’re looking fit. Whatever you’re doing must be working.”
His words motivated me—almost 24 hours after he first uttered them. I kept thinking, “This is worth it. My hard work is paying off… don’t quit now. Keep pushing (and pulling and lifting and stretching). Don’t cut this corner. Work hard. You can do it.”
And I did. Because of four words from a friend.
Please don’t forget today that a kind word can speak power into someone’s life. It can inspire. It can motivate. And it can provide strength to someone who can’t find it within themselves.
holly hansen says
so true about kind words. years ago i got my auto emissions tested and the operator happened to comment on how nice my suit looked. i was i job hunting mode. bc of his compliment it gave me the energy to go to the next employment agency nearby that i had thought about skipping bc i was tired. when i walked in they thought it was spooky cool bc the employment agency had just uttered the words that they needed someone with my accounting credentials. i got the job. that compliment gave me the extra energy i needed to go to that agency. and that operator will never know how big his compliment was. the power of encouraging words.
Cynthia says
The second portion of your YouTube chat reminded me of this quote by C.S. Lewis:
It would seem that Our Lord finds our desires not too strong, but too weak. We are half-hearted creatures, fooling about with drink and sex and ambition when infinite joy is offered us, like an ignorant child who wants to go on making mud pies in a slum because he cannot imagine what is meant by the offer of a holiday at the sea. We are far too easily pleased.
C.S. Lewis
Jacqueline says
Had time off work so i have been reflecting on things, and watching what i saying to myself and others, like the rudder on a large boat can steer that boat to its destiny of where its going, same with the tongue how it to can determine where we go in life, build up, tear down, very powerful. I have faced many issues with my weight, been skinny people thought i was healthy but anxiety made weight drop off me and hair falling out, yup not that great eh all an illusion, this week also i came across the word (nourish) yourself, how wonderful that one word alone has made me think differently to how i treat my self because it doesn,t just address (food) as the only culprit, but how i treat myself as a (whole), it covers a multitude of things in life especially how we speak/treat our self and others really does matters, how we take care of ourselves/others emotionally, spiritually and physically really does matters, thanks Josh for the reminder.
love Jacqueline
Maureen Corbett says
Thank you for being transparent and not “Facebook polished” where a person is 1000% perfect! Life is a series of ups and downs and we need to help each other on moving up, up, up!
karan george says
This is an amazing, very clear and sound content. You have beautifully described the power of the word. I mean that sometimes words turn the whole play.
Amelia Brown says
A wonderful reminder that has caused me to dwell on the times I have received kind words. One doesn’t ever really forget those words, and a gentle push to remember brings them right to the surface. And acts to encourage me beyond receiving and be a deliverer of encouragement.
Mrs. Dragonfly says
A writer’s pen carries his emotions and wisdom. Thanks for sharing this. It is a simple reminder with immense impact.
Fia says
Dear Joshua! Although I’ve been reading your newsletter for a while now I haven’t commented on one of your articles before. But this time I really want to thank you for sharing your thoughts on the power of kind words, they resonated deeply with me and I felt encouraged to send a message a friend telling that I really enjoy the time we spend together. Often I don’t do that because it feels awkward to talk about feelings our to compliment someone but actually it shouldn’t. And everyone can need more kind words…
A.E. Wiggs says
Your work has changed my life. I respect you.
I do not say that often or lightly.
Thank you for putting off some of your own needs for a while in order to share the wisdom God has given you. May you bless yourself for that sacrifice. And may you be blessed as you gently return to your routine.
Jen says
Your words gave me the strength to keep uttering kind words. Thank you x