How to Spread Heavenly Gossip

With a little encouragement, heavenly gossip can really take off.

What is heavenly gossip? Good question. I'm glad you asked. Heavenly gossip isn't about preaching the gospel, but if there actually is a big man upstairs, heavenly gossip is the kind of talk that will surely earn you a VIP pass through his pearly gates. Heavenly gossip involves spreading the word about all the compassion, beauty, brilliance, generosity and everything else wonderful demonstrated by your family, friends, coworkers, neighbors and acquaintances. When it comes to the gossip grapevine, what goes around comes around, so make your talk sweet and spread it.

Difficulty:

Easy

Instructions

How to Spread Heavenly Gossip

1. Train your eyes to spot magnificence. It's easy to fall into the negative scanning trap, focusing on what is "wrong" with those around you. But just as the same glass can be labeled either half full or half empty, every person is full of both loveable and loathsome traits. Choose to fix your gaze on all that is loveable.

2. Sleuth it out. While some have no problem announcing their accomplishments to the world, others keep mum about their good deeds. If you aren't sure what wonderful things those around you are up to, observe a little closer.

3. Announce it. If you catch your coworker putting in extra hours working on a company project, make sure the boss knows. If your son makes his first soccer goal after months of practice, call the family. If a girlfriend looks exceptionally radiant on a night out on the town, say it out loud so others can acknowledge it as well.

4. Compliment everything and everyone. From beautiful smiles to brainy successes, it's all fair game for heavenly gossip. And don't leave anyone out. Ironically, we often praise our closest loved ones the least. Make sure not to take your inner circle for granted.

5. Build a network of heavenly gossipers. Develop friendships with people who prefer to positively affirm one another instead of negatively cut each other down.

6. Praise sincerely. While everyone loves to be complimented, everybody hates to receive false praise. It's obvious when you fake warm feelings, so if you can't be honest with your heavenly gossip, don't say anything at all.

7. Share your own successes. You can spread heavenly gossip about yourself as well. If you've been working extra hard on the company project, make sure your boss knows. If you've made your first soccer goal after months of practice, call your family. If you look particularly radiant on a night out, acknowledge it. Don't be shy about tooting your own horn.

8. Know the difference between heavenly gossip and bragging. You know those people who drive you nuts talking incessantly about how perfect their children are, how successful their spouses are, how interesting their friends are, how amazing their hairdressers are? These people are insecure egomaniacs, not heavenly gossipers.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep the big picture in mind. While negative gossip can feel juicier in the moment, its high fades fast. Heavenly gossip, on the other hand, lingers in the atmosphere and keeps you floating high for a lifetime.

• Be aware that some people might be embarrassed by your praise. Some people shy away from the spotlight. You can still spread heavenly gossip about them, but make sure to do it in away that makes them feel uplifted and not overwhelmed or humiliated.

Resources

• Live an Extraordinary Life