NAMI Linn County: Today is ‘National Compliment Day’

Jan. 24 is “National Compliment Day.”

Yes, it’s silly to have a “day” for everything from Lima Bean Respect (April 20, mark your calendars now) to Answering the Phone Like Buddy the Elf (December 18, but why not do that every day?). However, there’s something to be said for a national “holiday” that encourages everyone to spread positivity through compliments.

Given what all of us have just gone through the past two years, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Linn County recognizes just how tired, grumpy and possibly downright anxious and depressed you might feel right now. We want to compliment all of you by sharing the top five of 75 examples from the grammarly.com blog (“75 Compliments to Use When You Want to Say Something Nice”). We hope these brighten your day!

1. Your positivity is infectious. Let’s ignore the COVID implications and focus on the positivity aspect of this one. Thank you for slogging through the tough times with a smile on your face, despite the tears in your heart. From overworked health care workers to hard-working restaurant employees to bleary-eyed moms and dads, you have been realistic about the losses you have experienced, but have remained hopeful that the light at the end of the tunnel is out there somewhere.

2. You should be so proud of yourself. You have survived. You have not given up. You have stopped stockpiling toilet paper and hand sanitizer. You have mastered the art of virtual meetings and are now tentatively considering and/or exuberantly rejoining society via in-person gatherings.

3. You’re amazing! Despite the pandemic, the derecho, social unrest and assorted other life-changing events, you have not checked out. You have remained engaged, sharing your opinions and living your life the best way you know how.

4. You’re a true gift to the people in your life. You have checked on neighbors and friends who have been lonely or isolated, you have thanked the numerous essential workers who have kept our communities functioning, you have done your best to keep others around you physically and emotionally healthy.

5. You’re an incredible friend. You have kept smiling even when it felt like your heart was breaking, knowing that emotions can be contagious. You have planted trees (thank you, Trees Forever and the ReLeaf team!), fed the hungry (thank you Willie Ray and Bridge Under the Bridge!), and donated, supported, and sent good vibes to those who are suffering (thank you, everyone!).

NAMI Linn County is glad to be your friend, and is here to support you when you are struggling (namilinncounty.org)

Now pass on a compliment to boost someone else’s mood. Happy Compliment Day, everyone!

Dr. Stacey Pawlak is a University of Iowa clinical psychologist and board member of NAMI Linn County.