After a long day of work, running errands, and, quite frankly, more social interaction than I would prefer to have experienced on a Monday, I was reminded of just how crucial it is to show kindness every chance we get.
I'm a receptionist at a hair salon, and as such it is my responsibility to make sure each client that comes in the door feels welcome and at home. This is much easier on some days than others. But on the days when it's particularly difficult to plant that smile on my face and act like I mean it, I try to remind myself that each day, whether I'm at work, in class, or simply running errands, it's my privilege to be able to brighten people's days.
"Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a hard battle."
On any given day and in any given situation, the people you encounter are dealing with things you can never and will never know about. For all we know, these perfect strangers could have just received the best or the worst news, could be having a terrible hair day, could be low on cash, or running late for an important meeting. And are these excuses for a person to treat another person poorly or rudely? No. But these are equally invalid reasons for you, too, to respond in such a negative way.
"You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you." -Brian Tracy
It's not our job as humans to respond to each and every situation, regardless of how good or bad, with pure joy. This is simply impractical. There are bound to be people who upset you, who rub you the wrong way, who get under your skin for God knows what reason. But it is our job to respond in the best way we can, even if that involves swallowing the pride pill and showing a little humility, kindness, and grace to those who might have hurt or offended you.
We're given so many opportunities to make big change through small actions, and so often these opportunities are missed because we're too prideful, in too much of a hurry, or too stressed to treat others in a way so positive it can break the chain of negativity that plagues our world. Just think of the woman at the cash register who handed you your change, warmly told you to have a great day, and really meant it. Think of that sweet Honda Civic-driving man that let you over so you wouldn't miss your turn. Think of the stranger on campus that smiled at you when you made eye contact, instead of shyly looking away. Be that person. It's your duty.
So when you're frustrated with the customer service rep on the phone and they ask you to "hold please," keep your eye rolls and moans and groans to a minimum, and say "Of course, take your time!" Text your mother and tell her you're thinking of her. And don't be too grumpy to smile, even on a Monday.
