About the Author

Kathryn H. Ross is the author of memoir Black Was Not A Label (2019, Pronto) and poetry chapbook Count It All Loss (2021, GoldScriptCo). She writes and edits in Southern California and loves cats and naps. Read her prose, essays, and poetry at speakthewritelanguage.com.

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  1. This Mahogany moment was delightful & insightful. I am an extrovert by nature & do this type of thing often & I am convinced git uses these interactions, to uplift encourage & break the chains of isolation & loneliness we’ve weaved around ourselves in today’s too busy world. Your words of wisdom are pearls to me! Thank you for sharing this powerful message Ms. Kathryn H. Ross

  2. I love this story. I compliment people ALL THE TIME! “I love that shirt!”, “Girl you know you doing it today!” Just whatever pops in my head. My husband, who is not anywhere near as outgoing as me, but we have a goal. We want people to always be glad to see us coming. I can’t really say here in words but use your imagination. We want them to say with excitement, Oh, there’s Sam and Dee! Not say with despair, Oh, there’s Sam and Dee. You get it!!!! We try to make every interaction a positive one with who ever we meet; grocery bagger, cashier, cleaning person, fellow shopper…you get it! Daniel sounds like me, LOL. Always, always, share the compliment. You don’t ever know where a person is that day and your compliment might be the tipping point for not just changing their day but changing their life!

  3. How wonderful. I too, give compliments to those whenever I feel the need. Especially, because I have nothing to gain from it and feel prompted, perhaps by the Holy spirit. I also feel better, as if I’ve given something authentic and special, “Kindness”. The saying “Kindness goes a long way”, is very true.

    Rarely, are we aware of the result from the simple act of kindness.

  4. This is such a beautiful story! I am starting to be more intentional about tending other people’s gardens. We all need it sometimes and I just want to make sure that I do my part in providing “Daniel Energy” into someone’s day! Thank you for sharing!

  5. This was so good and so timely for me. Every now and then we need a gentle reminder that tending to someone else garden once in a while can yield a harvest that many can glean from. Thank you!

  6. Good morning Kathryn. Thank you for sharing this lovely story. When I am in the mall or running errands is the time that I take to notice others. In particular, I enjoy complimenting those who have taken the extra effort to look decent in public, you know…the ones who present themselves as a ten out of ten. The ones who stand out from the crowd and make you turn around and look again. When I compliment them, they are always surprised and I can tell that it made their day. Blessings to you.

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