Slow Down. Pay Attention. Show You Care.
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear,an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around.” Leo Buscaglia
Every person you see today is carrying a burden of some kind.
Every. Person.
The guy who cut in line on the freeway? He has more than a driving problem. The woman who is pushing her child to the front of the room? She has more than control issues. The kid who is being a pill is feeling pain too.
Maybe the burden is small worry: a pollen-induced headache, a child with a cough, or a grumpy spouse. Perhaps the person is sleep-deprived, hungry, or wearing ill-fitting shoes.
They could be scared, lonely, or melancholy.
Or, on the far end of the spectrum, perhaps the stranger in our path is grieving the loss of a parent, spouse, or friend. Maybe they are in financial ruin, failing health, or facing betrayal of the worst kind.
Chances are, whatever burden the person is bearing won't be lifted if we are unkind or dismissive. Of course, noticing people and seeing past the rude behavior and choosing to be thoughtful and kind ALWAYS requires extra sensitivity and effort.
Who has time for that?
I don't know about you, but on ordinary days, I miss far more cues than I catch.
But I don't want ordinary - - I want EXTRAordinary so the extra effort has to be part of my routine.
This beautiful short video is a lovely reminder of what happens when you meet people where they are, burdens and all.