“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
My first day at SUU went as expected...a morning full of syllabi designed only to heighten one's stress. As I walked to my job, I reviewed in my mind the semester's worth of work that had been presented in 3 hours. I felt the work weighing on me, not yet having realized these assignments would come one at a time. With each step, I felt more and more alone in the college experience. As I was wondering what I had taken on and how to get out of it, a girl walking my way caught my attention.
She smiled as she introduced herself and turned to walk with me. Her name was Megan. We exchanged small talk about the start of classes, which included the information that this was my first semester. I suspect she already had a sense of that because she was continually upbeat in the conversation. And, without even really knowing me, she reassured me that I could handle whatever college would throw at me.
Then she left and I went to work. After that day, I saw her a few more times on campus. I'm not sure she ever recognized me but remembering her encouragement continues to bring a smile to my face.
This is the power we all have. A power to serve in whatever capacity we find ourselves. If we pay attention, we will see these opportunities to connect with others.
Fast forward about 3 years, I'm still going to SUU. I've moved off campus with some awesome roommates but our apartment is not far enough to make driving worth it. However, on the rainiest day of the year, I would have disagreed. And, even though the apartment was in sight, being completely soaked left me rather cranky.
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw an umbrella open as my neighbor ran out of her house toward me. I'm amazed how quickly emotions can be flipped. As she approached, my heart swelled with gratitude, where as a moment before I was griping about how wet I was. Cassie held the umbrella for me and mentioned that she would have been out sooner if she'd seen me. I chuckled because her act was already beyond the range of usual human interaction.
We talked until we reached my doorstep. I thanked her and walked in my house with a smile. Out the front window, I watched her run back to her house, thinking about how blessed I was.
How many people do that? See a near stranger out in the storm and rush out to provide whatever assistance they can. But how simple is it to do? I still need to invest in an umbrella for such times!
The start of the following year was one of the worst. My grandma died within a week of New Year's. If there's any person I want to be like, it is her. Geneal Palmer was clever and kind and creative. She radiated positivity, even through the difficulties she faced. My world was a darker place without her. And, I know this applies to anyone who knew her.
During the semester that followed, I started an Institute class. I don't remember which one for sure but the second day of that class, I walked out to find one of the nurses that had helped take care of Grandma. Nicole asked me how Grandma was doing, to which I answered honestly. Nicole expressed her sympathy and added, "She was a great lady, kind to all of us. It was a pleasure to work with her."
I definitely agreed. Well, she gave me a hug and headed to class. And, even though I was sad, it was a refreshing reminder of the goodness I come from.
These are only three examples of the kindnesses I've seen in my life. And, I've been blessed by many more. With this, I'd like to issue a challenge today - take a moment to reflect on the kindness of strangers in your own life. Then go out and pass it on. I promise you adventures if you do.
Enjoy them.
Showing posts with label smiles. Show all posts
Showing posts with label smiles. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 9, 2014
Thursday, January 9, 2014
Adventure #28: Children vs. Growing Up
“When we are children we seldom think of the future. This innocence
leaves us free to enjoy ourselves as few adults can. The day we fret
about the future is the day we leave our childhood behind.”
~Patrick Rothfuss
I've decided to start a "Children vs." selection of posts. This won't be an every month thing but I have more than one idea in relation to being children, so I felt it was necessary. I've spend so much time with children - teaching, tending, playing, etc - that I have few musings I'd like to share. This world is a better place because of the children in it.
Over the holiday break, I spent some time with my friends Melanie and Chris and their baby boy. The baby was having a cranky sort of day (as we are all likely to have) but a surprising thing distracted him. Winking. He was in his high chair making a pleasant mess and fussing here and there. I'm not sure how we noticed but when I would wink at him, he'd blink back and chuckle. I was so fascinated by this that I continued this "game" for probably 20 minutes. I didn't quit and neither did he. With every wink from me, he would blink right back (I say blink because his "wink" was with both eyes). And, as would be expected for such entertainment, the laughter was continuous for all parties.
How simple is that? I got lost in a world of repetitive exploration. Or perhaps psychological conditioning. Either way, Baby Boy Blinks was as happy to play along as I was. He had just learned a new skill that had a positive and immediate response. If only that type of experience was more frequent in the world.
Additionally, just today I was with My Friend Katie and her niece, lamenting over random drama in my day. When I was holding the adorable, squirmy little one (MFK's niece), I stood her up on my lap and addressed her, asking her about my problems. Before I could even get the first question out, her squishable face lit up like I'd just told her she'd won a million dollars (as a baby though, I don't think she'd care so much about that). I forgot my dilemma in the beam of that radiating smile. She was happy to be talked to, to be held, to be noticed.
How simple is that? I couldn't even finish the question, having encountered that cuteness. But more than that, Sweet Squirmy Smiles found joy in my goofy face and amusing voice. She appreciated a little attention and let you know with a beaming smile. This type of experience is definitely a simple indication but one that we could also use more of in life.
Perhaps my connection to growing up is unclear. Mostly, I just wanted to tell two really great stories. But at the same time, we lose some of this simplicity as we grow up. Learning a little something isn't celebrate-able anymore and a smile means so little after a few years. Something should be done about this. Hold on to the smiles. Don't forget to give a little attention. When you learn something, share it. Always encourage silliness. Channel the simplicity of children as often as you can.
I've decided to start a "Children vs." selection of posts. This won't be an every month thing but I have more than one idea in relation to being children, so I felt it was necessary. I've spend so much time with children - teaching, tending, playing, etc - that I have few musings I'd like to share. This world is a better place because of the children in it.
Over the holiday break, I spent some time with my friends Melanie and Chris and their baby boy. The baby was having a cranky sort of day (as we are all likely to have) but a surprising thing distracted him. Winking. He was in his high chair making a pleasant mess and fussing here and there. I'm not sure how we noticed but when I would wink at him, he'd blink back and chuckle. I was so fascinated by this that I continued this "game" for probably 20 minutes. I didn't quit and neither did he. With every wink from me, he would blink right back (I say blink because his "wink" was with both eyes). And, as would be expected for such entertainment, the laughter was continuous for all parties.
How simple is that? I got lost in a world of repetitive exploration. Or perhaps psychological conditioning. Either way, Baby Boy Blinks was as happy to play along as I was. He had just learned a new skill that had a positive and immediate response. If only that type of experience was more frequent in the world.
Additionally, just today I was with My Friend Katie and her niece, lamenting over random drama in my day. When I was holding the adorable, squirmy little one (MFK's niece), I stood her up on my lap and addressed her, asking her about my problems. Before I could even get the first question out, her squishable face lit up like I'd just told her she'd won a million dollars (as a baby though, I don't think she'd care so much about that). I forgot my dilemma in the beam of that radiating smile. She was happy to be talked to, to be held, to be noticed.
How simple is that? I couldn't even finish the question, having encountered that cuteness. But more than that, Sweet Squirmy Smiles found joy in my goofy face and amusing voice. She appreciated a little attention and let you know with a beaming smile. This type of experience is definitely a simple indication but one that we could also use more of in life.
Perhaps my connection to growing up is unclear. Mostly, I just wanted to tell two really great stories. But at the same time, we lose some of this simplicity as we grow up. Learning a little something isn't celebrate-able anymore and a smile means so little after a few years. Something should be done about this. Hold on to the smiles. Don't forget to give a little attention. When you learn something, share it. Always encourage silliness. Channel the simplicity of children as often as you can.
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