Brava for Gale! Yes, what an absolutely GREAT reminder indeed that even a nanosecond of our time can make a good difference in another human being's day. We don't know what burdens people are lugging around as we are interacting with them (or NOT interacting with them, when perhaps they may need a bit of a boost).

So I am assigning some SNIPPETS homework. :-] During the week, practice some of the following kindnesses - or make up your own. Then if you'd like, email us to share what you did and the reactions you received:

• BEFORE ordering your coffee at the local java stop, LOOK DIRECTLY into the face of your server before they meet YOUR needs, and ask, "How are YOU doing today?" (or in Target, a restaurant, Macy's, grocery store, or any place where you are being served). Guaranteed to help someone feel a little more important as a person and not just a faceless servant.

• quickie compliment a stranger as you pass by ... "nice tie" ... "nice nails" ... "pretty eyes" ... "like that handbag" ... "cool car"

• strike up a mild conversation in an elevator instead of you and that ONE other person staring at the numbers and wishing to exit the small space ASAP, thus avoiding Awkward Elevator Antics.

• thank the cleaning person inside the ladies or men's room for providing a clean restroom (maybe tip them a buck or two if they have a tip jar; c'mon, would YOU want to spend your workday inside of a bathroom?)

• tell the trash or recycle collectors as they whiz by your house, how much you appreciate them picking up your garbage

• let the person go in front of you: in a store, on the road, walking thru a door - and offer a smile

 

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