After many years of being a flight attendant, as well as taking several subways, I am well acquainted with the above phrase. It has always been a reference to safety, a reminder to be aware of your surroundings. I am all about safety in all situations, but recently these words took on new meaning for me.

While preparing for a retreat there’s a lot of time spent gathering words that express the theme then putting them in order for meditation readings and journal prompts. As I do this, my own ideas expand on other people’s words. This retreat was about the words we speak.

Only speak words that make souls stronger. -Ann Voskamp

This was the focus for the first day, making sure that instead of complaining or gossiping that our words would be used to make souls stronger. This doesn’t happen by a force of the will but by a change of the heart, and it takes time.

Make my words honest and true, economical and few, wise and well chosen, calm and kind. Give me so much love and grace that this kind of conversation comes naturally to me. Amen. -Tim Keller

On the second day we focused on the power of kind and encouraging words, and this is where my brain used the above safety statement in a new way. I think we’re all aware of how kind words can have a positive impact, however, we may not be intentional about saying them. How often have you noticed someone’s beautiful smile, cute shoes, generosity, willingness to help, great book recommendations, etc. without saying anything? Perhaps you notice a beautiful sunset or something equally delightful in nature without pointing it out to others. If you see something, say something could be used as a prompt to make someone’s day a bit brighter.

If we offer genuine encouragement to people we’re offering verbal sunshine, the sort of truth that can make people’s day, even change their lives. -Bear Grylls

While I was still flying, one of my favorite parts of the job was greeting passengers as they boarded the plane. It became a habit to actively look for a way to share a compliment. On one occasion I told a woman how beautiful her hair was. She absolutely lit up with happiness. At the end of the flight I was saying goodbye to passengers along with another flight attendant. When she approached the door I said to my flight attendant friend, “Doesn’t she have the most beautiful hair!” He agreed, and this woman whose name I didn’t know gave me a big hug.

Is there a restaurant you go to that has delicious food and consistently good service? Make a point of telling them in person then take the time to give them a good review. Was your Airbnb the cleanest home you’ve ever seen? Type out a note to the host then write a glowing review to help promote the home. Did you have a great time with friends? Send them a note or a text to let them know how much you enjoyed spending time together. Give some love to the social media accounts that you follow. Every like, share and comment is greatly appreciated. Do this, and as often happens, the blessing you shared with others may end up blessing you as well. Who knows, you may even get a hug.