It should be simple, right? Encouraging other human beings, usually those who you see on at least a weekly basis? Why is it so hard to just step out of your comfort zone and say something?
Take a few weeks ago. On our weekly grocery trip, Miss E was standing next to me in the checkout line as I dug for my wallet; I'm not quite sure I had even acknowledge the woman checking us out. Even though she had been saying, "Mommy. Mommy. Mommy. Mommy." over and over again, I finally looked down to Miss E to see what it was she needed so desperately. Pulling me down to her level, she whispered, "Mommy. Her nails are sooooooo sparkly. I love them." She beamed, and as I returned to my upright position, I caught the eye of the cashier.
It was at that moment I had to make a choice. And because the eyes of my three year old were on me, I stepped out of my comfort zone: "My daughter loves your nails. They're gorgeous!" Because they were, and who am I to not acknowledge that?
You know what happened next? The cashier beamed, thanked me profusely, and proceeded to tell me that no one had even looked her in the eyes that morning, and we had made her day.
Y'all. I told a woman we liked her nails, and we MADE. HER. DAY. If that's not a divine intervention, I don't know what it is.
It was that easy. Nothing more. Nothing less.
Why is it that this is so difficult for some (most?) of us? Are we so busy in this life that we can't take the time to even look someone in the eyes and acknowledge them?
That's your assignment today. Step out of your comfort zone. Tell everyone you see hello. Give a smile. If so inclined, tell them you like their sparkly nails. We have no idea how we may impact someone just by a little acknowledgement: I see you! You're doing great! Keep up the good work!
Because don't we want that, too?
Want to go the extra mile? Follow me on Instagram to see what the kiddos and are up to this week. Like what you see? Send me an email and I'll share the file :) (You'd think it'd be easy to attach here, but I can't. figure. it. out. We only have 29 days left, so I'm putting my efforts in elsewhere :)
Good luck! I'll be participating right along with you, and sharing on our favorite social media sites. Have fun!
xoxo, k.
That's great! It's such a simple thing, but it blessed that cashier in a big way!
ReplyDeleteI like the Smile tags. How are you using them? I am trying to imagine how they'd be received in New Jersey, where people tend to be hurried and ... gruff. But actually, when we're nice, people tend to respond in kind. I have heard, though, about an older woman who was approached in the supermarket by two young women who wanted to give her a gift card. Just to be kind and generous. The woman was immediately suspicious of what their REAL reason was. It's sad that we live in a place like that, isn't it?
We printed out a bunch, and they are slowly making it onto public bulletin boards around our area. So far, we've hit a Starbucks, a library, and an ice cream shop. It has definitely made a few folks smile, especially with my 4 and 2 year old helping out. Totally worth the effort :)
DeleteGolden Rule adjunct. And OH, so well written!
ReplyDeleteIsn't that so sad, that she said no-one had even looked her in the eye? [Shocking]. You are enthusing me with these posts of yours!
ReplyDeleteI know... It just about broke my heart hearing her say that. So happy to hear you're enjoying this challenge along with me!
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