One time a long time ago, back in highschool even, I received a compliment that sticks with me to this day.
Y’all have that? Something you remember someone saying about you, the way you act or respond or do something, that was so nice and so meaningful that years later you recall it fondly and it still has meaning to your pride? It’s funny, how something so small, maybe even said offhand, can have such long-term ego boosting power.
In my case, I wouldn’t think Sharaun has any memory of what she said back then, let alone that I still think of it to this day. Yes, it was Sharaun, my then girlfriend now wife, who’s simple words then still make me feel good now, some twenty years later.
So what did she say? Well, we were jogging together (for some reason), and she turned to me and said something to the effect of, “You’ve actually got a really nice running form.” That’s it. Maybe something about my stride and arm movement, I don’t exactly recall.
If y’all know me, and how absolutely uncoordinated at anything physical I am (reference material), let alone how insecure I am about my physical and sporting prowess (reference material), you might begin to understand why this particular small comment meant, and means, so much to me.
I don’t know if I have good running form, and I pretty sure she’s not qualified to make such a judgment, but her saying that really made me feel great.
Still does. Hugs.
Also written on this day...
- willful disobedience - 2010
- the jostling thousands - 2007
- how not to ride a bike - 2006
- scrobbin away - 2005