Just Say "Thank You"

Do any of you have a hard time accepting a compliment?

Early this morning, I was out for a walk in my neighborhood, enjoying the sounds of the birds waking up. Even at 6:30, the humidity was as thick as a slice of NY cheesecake, and nowhere near as enjoyable.  I was already shvitzing through my summer uniform – a Target T-shirt, and baggy jogging pants.  

A young gal was walking on the other side of the street and we waved at each other and made the universal “wiping of the brow” gesture for “It’s effing hot outside.”  And then she yelled, “I really like your hair!!”  It startled me and my first inclination was to say, “Oh, it’s a hot mess.” but instead, I grinned and replied, “Thank you!!!” She grinned back and we went our separate ways.

It wasn’t so hard, and it kind of made my morning. I remembered the Henry James quote, “Be someone on whom nothing is lost,” and that’s when I decided this was my lesson from the Universe today - greater self-acceptance and giving myself permission to just say, “Thank you.”

 This 12 x 12 mixed media piece, titled, “Deep Roots,” is the last one left of my series called “A Kinder World.” If you’d like more details, send me an email or check out my “Abstract” Gallery.