Words matter, and in this age of social media, what we say matters more than ever. A positive comment can uplift and encourage at a time when you feel like giving up. When we speak kindly, we let a light shine that dispels a little bit of the darkness in the world.
That’s why today I’m choosing to #CommentKindness. Together with other social media influencers, I’m stepping forward to share some of the positive comments that have made a difference in my life. It is my hope that in being a part of Comment Kindness, we’ll all be reminded to look for the good and fight negativity in our little corners of the world.
As a YouTube video creator I have had my fair share of negative comments. My favorite (NOT) are the comments that begin "I don't mean to be rude but..." (follow totally rude comment). Note to self, if you have to preface your comment with "Not to be mean" it is probably very mean indeed! I have learned that, as much as I would like to argue the merits of my awesomeness, I just can not please everyone. And the best way to respond to hateful comments is with silence. Ignore, block and move on. It is not worth my time or mental energy trying to change someone's opinion. Do not feed the trolls! Harder said than done, especially when someone is deliberately lying about you all over social media (been there, not fun). I truly believe that it is even more important than ever to move in the opposite spirit and promote kindness.
When I heard about this #CommentKindness campaign, I immediately jumped in with both feet! It was so amazing looking over all the wonderful comments and emails that I have received over the past few months. I have been very blessed and encouraged to feel the love from those who watch and enjoy the videos I create. I had a really, really hard time picking my 5 favorites to share here. Each of these comments came at a time when I really needed an emotional boost. You never know what someone else is going through. One kind word from you can make a difference. These did for me...
Angela,
it was because of you that I picked up a paint brush for the first time and
begun something I had never dreamt I could do. I spend a lot of time alone in a foreign country
while my husband is working and my daughter is in school. I was sad and
beginning to feel depressed. I stumbled across your videos one day. In this
particular video, you were speaking of God and prayer and I felt I was
receiving an answer to my recent prayers. I feel that God led me to your group
in response to a prayer I had been praying about needing something in my life
to help me find ways to enjoy our life here in France. In addition to being
entertained by yours and Mark's interaction together, I discovered an extremely
relaxing and fun way to pass some of my alone time. I have had wonderful
feedback and encouragement from my family and friends and I have found
something I truly enjoy doing. I am thankful for you and for your generosity of
your time and talent. I hope you continue to do what you love and share it with
the world. I also believe that while it may be stressful
for you both, the time you and Mark spend making this all happen is precious
time spent together. In a world where husbands and wives pass daily without
interaction, it is refreshing to see you two working together to share your
gift. God has blessed you in more ways than one. Thanks to you both!
~ Cynthia Peterson
A year and a half ago I quit my job
and moved in with my mother. She suffers from dementia. The change from
having a very busy and full life left me wanting. I got an invitation to a
painting party with the ladies and it gave me such peace. I wanted desperately
to be better at painting and artistic form all together. That's when I found
your channel. I can say that I honestly look forward to the tutorials. In
dealing with a sick parent all day I found sanctuary and escape from something
no one should ever have to deal with. Listening to you and Mark banter back and
forth sounds so much like my wonderful hubby and I. Thank you a million times
over.
~ Lisa Adkison
I kinda have a lot to say about
this one, bear with me! 1st off, oh my was this a FUN night of painting!!
Angela Anderson I hope you know how amazing a teacher you are! It's not my
favorite painting, but the things you said today, absolutely made it my
favorite tutorial ever! You are so very special!!! This is what I took
from it.... I wanted to do this because we have a fairy garden display at work
and it will fit in perfectly! I was stressed trying to make this
"perfect" then you started talking about teaching kids, and after
hearing that I TOTALLY relaxed and just ENJOYED IT! I can't thank you enough
for that!!!! ~ Dawn Miller
Thanks
for all you do! I just recently started watching and I've I my tackled one
painting so far! I had been looking for tutorials for a while now and no one
stood out like you. You're so relaxing to follow and you don't make anyone feel
pressured or like they can't do it. That's what I love! I may not be great at
painting but you make me feel like I AM ABLE! You're an amazing artist and an
amazing teacher. Apart from that I like that you make art fun! Thank you again!
You and your hubby are just plain amazing and fun!! Much thanks and love from
Kentucky!!
~ Vanessa Keeling
Things
happen for a reason... Back in the fall I was searching for something really
simple to do hang on a wall in a room that took over when my daughter moved
out. I was looking at how people have painted drop cloths when I stumbled upon
Angela's Healing Angel tutorial. I knew I had to paint her. I began back
before Christmas. I even bought myself some better paints and a few new brushes
for Christmas but after Christmas my health took a turn for the worse and my
painting hung on the wall, half started, and looking pathetic, yet I left it
there. She was still inspirational and honestly, she looked about as pathetic
as I was feeling. I have stage IV breast cancer and had some complications with
chemo. I finally found the energy and time to work on her last night. I
have very limited use of my right hand and it was frustrating at first but I
just let go of those thoughts and let myself go. I stopped last night needing
to finish her hands and knowing I needed to clean a few things up before I
would be satisfied. Then I looked at her and had to laugh. Her left hand is
just a shadow and her right hand is pretty much nonexistent, just like mine
feel. Just as I was thinking that, my 16-year-old son came in and took a look
at her. All he could say was, "Wow". He said it 3 or 4 times, then
said he loved her because the colors are the colors that come to mind when he
thinks of me. Her body looks kind of wimpy but her wings look strong. She's a
reflection of me and the angels that guide me. I am so glad that I finally
picked up a brush again. I know this is long, but I really wanted to publicly
thank Angela and Mark for providing me with such a healing exercise. I could
use the excuse that my phone takes terrible pictures (it does), but the truth
is that this painting is so personal to me that I am not comfortable sharing.
Thank you Angela!!!! You are truly inspirational! ~ Mary Kocak
I am humbled, honored and more than a little bit moved by these amazing ladies and their sweet comments. I appreciate it so so much. You each made my day a bit brighter and I thank you from the bottom of my heart for taking the time to write out such thoughtful and kind words to bless me. And thank you to all those who I didn't pick but whose support and encouragement keeps me going. I hope you know how amazing and special and wonderful you are! ~ Thankfully, Angela
MY CHALLENGE TO YOU: Please join us on July 2nd either by sharing your own “top 5” positive comments on the social media platform of your choice, or by spending a few minutes leaving positive comments on Facebook pages, YouTube channels, Instagram accounts, or wherever you connect with people who have impacted you. Use the hashtag #commentkindness when you do, and let’s spread some positivity!
