Today was an interesting one that I probably won’t forget for a while. Sure, I will likely forget all the details, but the point of the day will remain in my head for a long time to come. Why? Simply put, it made me think about the power of positivity (which is not generally a topic that consumes much of my thought cycles).
I started out the day in the same way that I start out almost every other day—with a run. I had decided that I was going to go for a 15 km run instead of the typical 10 or 12, but that’s really irrelevant. Within the first few minutes, I passed an older woman (probably in her mid-to-late sixties), and I said “good morning.” She responded with “what a beautiful smile! You make sure to give that gift to everyone today.” I was really taken back by her comment because it was rather uncommon in this day and age.
Her comment stuck with me for the rest of the run, and I thought about the power that it had. It cost her absolutely nothing to say those refreshing, kind words, and yet, the impact was huge! Not only did it make me feel good, but it had other positive qualities as well. It made me more consciously consider my interactions with so-called “strangers.” I can’t control any aspect of their lives, and I wouldn’t want to do so. However, a simple wave to them, or a “good morning” may make them feel a little more interconnected with humanity.
Not all that long after, I went to get a cup of coffee from a corner shop. The clerk asked if that would be all, and I said it was. He said “Have a good day.” I didn’t have to pay for it because apparently it was National Coffee Day. Interesting. The more interesting part, though, was when I was leaving the store. I held the door for a man, and he said “You, sir, are a gentleman and a scholar,” to which I responded “well, at least one of those.” He said “aren’t you going to tell me which one?” I said “nope, that takes the fun out of it.”
That brief interaction wasn’t anything special at all… or was it? Again, it embodied the interconnectedness of humanity. We didn’t know each other at all, but yet we were able to carry on a short conversation, understand one another’s humour, and, in our own ways, thank each other. He thanked me for a small gesture of politeness, and I thanked him for acknowledging it. All too often those types of gestures go without as much as a “thank you.” All too often, these types of gestures get neglected and never even happen.
What’s my point here? Positivity is infectious and in a great way! Whenever you’re thinking that the things you do and say don’t matter, think again. Just treating the people with whom you come in contact many, many times each day with a little respect can positively change the course of their day. A smile, saying hello, casually asking them how they’re doing, holding a door, helping someone pick up something that they’ve dropped, or any other positive interaction should be pursued (even if it is a little inconvenient for you). Don’t underestimate the power of positivity, and you may just help someone feel better. What’s more important than that? That’s not a rhetorical question; the answer is “nothing.”
Cheers,
Zach
