You Get What You Give · Blue Feather Energies

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You Get What You Give

On Friday, I had to give a presentation in German for one of my university classes. My topic was "How do states use soft power in politics?" - a subject I genuinely find fascinating. The challenge wasn't the topic itself, but talking about it in German.

Presentations already make me nervous, regardless of the language. Speaking in front of a room while trying to explain complex political ideas in a language I'm still learning? That definitely pushed me outside my comfort zone. I knew I wasn't speaking as freely as I wanted to, and I still struggle with maintaining eye contact with the audience because it makes me even more nervous. It's something I want to keep improving.

Throughout the semester, whenever one of my classmates gave a presentation, I always started my feedback with the same sentence:

"Thank you for the presentation. It was lovely."

At first, my classmates and even my teacher smiled because they thought it was a very polite way to begin.

Then it was my turn to present.

One by one, every single person who gave me feedback, whether they had already presented earlier in the semester or were still waiting for their turn, started with those exact same words:

"Thank you for the presentation. It was lovely."

I wasn't expecting it at all.

It may seem like such a small thing, but hearing those words from everyone genuinely warmed my heart. In that moment, I realised something so simple yet so powerful:

You often receive what you choose to give.

Whether you call it kindness, positive energy, karma, aura points, or simply human nature, the principle remains the same. The way we communicate has a ripple effect. A few thoughtful words can shape the atmosphere around us and encourage others to respond with the same warmth.

It reminded me that kindness isn't only about grand gestures. Sometimes it's as simple as choosing encouraging words, showing appreciation, or making someone feel seen.

So here's a little reminder for all of us:

Speak kindly.

Encourage generously.

Appreciate openly.

You never know whose day you might brighten... and one day, that kindness may find its way back to you when you need it most. 💜🫂

How do you think our conversations and our relationships would change if we intentionally began every interaction by looking for something to genuinely appreciate before offering criticism?

When someone gives you sincere encouragement, what effect does it have on you?

It stays with me longer than criticism.

It inspires me to encourage others.

It boosts my confidence.

I don't hear it often enough.

Other (write in the comments).

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You Get What You Give