November 12, 2009

Make Someone's Day

"Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest accomplishment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around."
Author - Leo F. Buscaglia



Very profound words came from a wonderful, loving and insightful man. I love all that he has written. May he rest in peace.

Last Sunday, Allen and I went grocery shopping together. As I was walking around, I made a concerted effort to smile at people. I wanted to see their reactions. Some people didn't know what to do, so they did nothing. Some people did not smile because they were dealing with the business of shopping, and maybe pre-occupied with young children. However, one man smiled back, and that made the whole experience worth it.

The smallest act of caring is a powerful tool. When I saw that man smile back, I could feel myself light up inside. Someone else was saying "yes"

13 comments:

  1. Reminds me of last evening. As I was stalled at traffic light I noticed the man, in the next car over. He was looking over at my daughter and I. No biggie. I mentioned it to my daughter and she looked over. He smiled. She smiled. Then we all laughed. It was fun!

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  2. That's a great attitude to have! A good mood can be contagious.

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  3. It really can brighten up a day.

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  4. AMEN!
    Blessings, hugs, and prayers, andrea

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  5. Wonderful my friend!

    I too will give eye contact and smile. If I have the opening opportunity I will ask how someone is doing too. Have a golden one! xo

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  6. Leo Buscaglia was one of my all-time favorite authors. So sad when he passed. BUT he did affect so many!!
    Hugs, Kiddo, lots of them!!

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  7. Beautiful thoughts! I've noticed that people react very differently to me when I have my children with me compared to when I don't - I get lots of smiles/eye contact with them; not so much without...

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  8. I love it when strangers are friendly to me. I try to be friendly like that and it IS interesting to see the different reactions. Especially the one where they don't quite know what to make of your smile - which is kind of sad really, because it shows that doesn't happen very often. Good for you for sharing sunshine - you make the world a better place.

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  9. Thank you for the reminder that a simple smile brightens everybody's day -- such an easy thing to do but it makes such a huge impact.

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  10. Such a lovely post! I like that you made an effort to smile at people and someone responded! I have done this before. I tend to get stared at a lot because of the wheelchair. Sometimes it mnakes me grouchy. As a little girl I tended to make faces at people who stred but now if I react at all, I smile at them or say hello. I have had some interesting experiences because of that.

    I love the quote you posted. I haven't read much by him but I love the attitude of kindness he encourages.
    Thank you for a great reminder :o)

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  11. I love playing this game! And you're right, so often people don't know quite how to respond. Always treat others as you like to be treated.

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  12. Awww! Since we've been at the shorehouse I find myself saying "hello" and smiling more as people walk by. Sometimes conversations with perfect strangers are even sparked up from a smile. It's usually a fairly receptive audience. Of course when I try this in NYC pushing my way to work...different audience. ;-)

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~ Kathleen ~