Being the light

This weekend when I went into my local Starbucks to pick up my mobile order, I noticed that the barista I often see had a different hair color and style.  Without thinking too deeply about it, I naturally commented to her that I loved her new color.  She smiled, almost surprised that I would speak to her.  “Thank you, I’m trying a new color!” she replied enthusiastically.  This type of behavior leaves an impression - a positive imprint with those who are affected by this deliberate dedication of positive energy toward another living being.  More importantly, this applies more broadly than just the effects of the giver and the recipient.  Consider the effects this has on the bystanders who observe the interaction, like the older woman who smiled while picking up her caramel macchiato behind me. Maybe this simple act will enable her to have a positive interaction with the person she comes in contact with next.

Later on in the day, Tyler and I were packing groceries in the trunk of our car and a lovely old man walking by stopped to comment on the giant size muffin Ty was making little progress on.  He curiously asked Tyler what flavor muffin he was eating.  Ty chirped out “chocolate” through brown covered teeth.  “My favorite!”  the lovely man replied.  After a minute or two of pleasant banter between us, he continued on his way enthusiastically exclaiming “have a wonderful day now!”  I enjoyed our little conversation and smiled to myself. “Who is that man, mamma?” Ty asked curiously.  “I don’t know his name, just a nice man who saw your muffin,” I say. “Why did you talk to him if you don’t know him?”  “Because he took the time to stop and talk to you, and he was interested in hearing what you were eating.  Maybe now he will go buy himself the same flavor.  Maybe he just wanted to be friendly.  Maybe you reminded him of his own grandson and he wanted to say hi.  It took very little time for us to stop and chat with him, and who knows maybe we made his day better.”  “Ok!” Ty responded, and I smiled realizing that he got to participate in my experience and witness as an active participant and as a thinker. Hopefully he could use this interaction to inform his own ideas about how to treat people.  

I’m sure some people are thinking “so you want me to lie to people if I don’t like their shirt?”  No, if that is your take-away, you’re missing the point.  By observing your environment more and being an active participant in your life, you can FIND opportunities for these sparks, dozens of times a day.  Not sure where to start?  Hold the door open for person behind you, even if they are outside the imaginary 30 second window of just far enough away to let it close and not be considered a jerk.  See the appreciation they have for your very simple good deed.  Make it a point to smile as you pay for your bagel in the cafeteria at work.  Be appreciative of those who respond in the same way.  This attitude of gratitude and positivity is literally contagious.  All of these simple, brief moments in time help to reinforce our faith in humanity and may even ignite sparks in others. Think of how this unfolds exponentially in your own life.  This type of cultural feedback mechanism can have a ripple effect on the rest of your day, which spills out in your town, community, state, etc.