Years ago, at a self-esteem workshop led by a gifted facilitator, the session began with a simple prompt.

“We’re going to recall a time when someone said something that made you feel great,” he said. “Something uplifting or empowering — a moment you still carry with you.”

He gave us two minutes.
Two whole minutes.

I closed my eyes, waiting for a memory to rise.

Around the room, some people scribbled quickly. Others sat in silence, brows furrowed. A few looked around uncertainly, as if searching for something they weren’t sure they possessed.

When time was up, he asked, “Raise your hand if you thought of something.”

Only about half the room responded.

Then he said, “Now think of a time when someone s...

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