National Say Something Nice Day: The adage that people may not remember what you do, but they will recall how you made them feel, is never more true than on National Say Something Nice Day, which is observed annually on June 1. This holiday is about elevating your coworkers, family members, friends, acquaintances, and even your enemies with genuine kindness — being a “lifter” — and observing how much healthier and cheerful you feel as a result. This requires discipline. In some instances, you may feel that the negative beliefs you hold about certain others are firmly grounded in reality.
The challenge of National Say Something Nice Day is to set aside these beliefs, regardless of how justified you believe they are, and discover something you truly appreciate about a particular individual. In other words, it is not about sugary compliments. You can discover something positive about anyone you encounter today if you exercise your intellect. Perhaps you appreciate the hairstyle of the officer who just issued you a citation. Perhaps you revere the management style of the coworker who received the promotion over you. Consider the good within yourself, and it will return to you tenfold.
National Say Something Nice Day: History
Mitchell Carnell, president and chief executive officer of the Charleston, South Carolina Speech and Hearing Centre, published a brief Amazon book titled “Say Something Nice: Be a Lifter!” on July 31, 2011. The book is about the health benefits you receive when you build up others rather than tear them down. Carnell, who is also the author of the Kindle books “Speaking in Church Made Simple” and “Random Acts of Kindness,” has experience with the effects of positive communication and words. His business communication column ran for fourteen years in “Charleston Dispatch & Courier’s Business Review.”
Before “Say Something Nice” was published, however, the notion of setting aside a day for doing just that germinated. In 2006, Carnell’s communication efforts were officially recognised when the mayor of North Charleston, South Carolina proclaimed June 1 as Say Something Nice Day in his honour. Local and national Baptist and Presbyterian organisations participated, and the day was recognised formally.
So, today, attempt to be optimistic from dawn until dusk. Remember another proverb: “If you can’t say something nice, don’t say anything at all.” This is a starting point, but on National Say Something Nice Day, it’s worth the effort, no matter how challenging, to go beyond silence and place a checkmark on the positive side of the board. It has long been known that joyful people live longer and are generally healthier, so even if you have to suppress your pride, you know you’ll benefit. Even better? We’ve discovered that uttering something nice is not such a bitter pill to ingest after all if you delve deep.
Dont Give up the Ship Day 2023 (US): Date, History, Significance, Fun Facts
National Say Something Nice Day: Facts
Double esteem
Anthony Ashely Cooper, who, as one of King Charles’ Lord Proprietors, selected the site for the settlement, gave his name to both the Ashley and Cooper Rivers in Charleston.
A dubious distinction
In 1718, Blackbeard, one of many pirates who tormented Charleston in its early years, kidnapped several sailors from ships entering the harbour and ransomed them for a chest of medication.
Would you take a peek at that…?
In 1861, Confederate soldiers discharged the first shots of the Civil War from Fort Sumter in Charleston, while residents watched from their porches.
Roll, shake, and clang
In 1886, the heaviest earthquake to ever strike the Southeast, measuring 7.8 on the Richter scale, struck Charleston, killing sixty people and causing devastation as far as Ohio.
Attend a show?
The Dock Street Theatre, the oldest theatre in America, stood at the corner of Church- and Dock Streets in Charleston from 1736 to 1740 before it burnt down and was reconstructed some 200 years later.
Significance
The adage, “Laughter is the best medicine,” is not a load of hogwash. Medical science has long held that endorphins, the chemicals generated by positive emotions such as mirth, have a beneficial effect on the health and well-being of the body. And you can encourage their flow by being courteous!
Don’t forget that you won’t be the only one celebrating National Say Something Nice Day by speaking graciously to coworkers and friends; it’s likely that you’ll receive a few sincere compliments today. What you give out returns back to you!
We suggest going on social media on June 1, searching for the hashtag #SaySomethingNiceDay, and soaking in all the kind, compassionate, and positive posts and memes to be reminded that there is a great deal of good in the world.
National Say Something Nice Day: Dates
| Year | Date | Day |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | June 1 | Thursday |
| 2024 | June 1 | Saturday |
| 2025 | June 1 | Sunday |
| 2026 | June 1 | Monday |
| 2027 | June 1 | Tuesday |
