Praise Your Peers

One thing I wish I had learned at a younger age is to embrace the triumphs of friends and foes alike. For a long time, I was divided within myself: capable of admiring my peers’ success, yet quietly measuring it against my own efforts and wondering why I was not seeing the same results. In turn, this made me feel more isolated, and my animosity grew. The more I failed, the more I set my ego aside and realized where I was going wrong. My failures were also blinded by my vices and the need to be inebriated, so I never fully understood how to make room to give my energy to my peers in the form of adoration.

Why does this matter? On the surface, celebrating cultivates empathy and affirms effort. It reconnects us with our shared humanity. When we offer praise, we allow others to feel noticed and valued. Recognition strengthens our trust in one another, builds community, and reminds us that celebrating achievements feels greater when shared. We have to acknowledge one another for our resilience, our sacrifices, and our unseen struggles.

On a deeper level, having the strength to celebrate others without envy reflects our inner security and moral clarity. Our relationships begin to abandon their competitive nature and shift toward supporting roles, creating a culture where the inspiration of growth, integrity, and shared progress is valued over ego. Everyone prospers with kind words, affirmation, and encouragement.

Praise itself can take many forms. It can be as simple as a sincere compliment. That color looks great on you. Your hair looks fantastic. I appreciate your style. Small gestures like these make people feel recognized. Praise can also live in memory and intention. If someone crosses your mind, reach out and tell them. Send a message, a letter, a postcard, a small gift; anything that conveys I see you, or I am thinking of you. Let your appreciation be expressed through the practice of altruism.

Choose to show up and let your energy guide you with intent.