Courtesy and other ‘small’ human gestures
Perhaps I was tired. Or busy. Maybe it was the ‘straw that broke the camel’s back’. I really don’t know. I just remember the volcano of anger (and a string of ‘naughty’ words that I don’t often say – eekkk) erupting from me!
Those around me were probably as astounded as I was by my outburst… my fury knew no boundaries. And for a while, I couldn’t stop it.
What happened to cause that massive and unexpected outburst? It takes a lot to tip me over the edge, to knock me off balance. Yet, in that moment, I was off the chart with rage!
After removing myself from the situation, I’ve taken some time to reflect.
Have we lost the art of the small things in life? Small but important things like courtesy, respect and generosity?
That’s a question I found myself asking. Deep down (and after cooling off), I suspect that was the root of my outburst.
We’re all busy in life. Many of us are on the hamster wheel too, building our careers, our businesses, focusing on our social lives, our relationships, our kids… and much more. The balancing act we live with each day can be a challenge.
Sadly though, we can get so focused on the importance of ‘us’ and our lives – our ‘stuff’ – that we forget what’s happening around us.
We forget to notice and acknowledge the things that happen around us, and at times, for us.
We forget to give of ourselves – just a little bit. Perhaps a little more often we could say ‘thank you’ or ‘I appreciate you’ or ‘can I help you?’ or ‘I’m sorry’, or simply, ‘I love you’.
And it might not be ‘said’ in words… actions speak louder than words. Always!
It’s in those little moments when we acknowledge others around us with words or actions, they feel appreciated. Special, even! And as the giver of that small gesture, we feel good too – perhaps even better than they do. Who knows? It’s a win-win for all.
Determined against the odds…
Last week as I was leaving the supermarket, a very elderly woman was struggling with her trolley which she was using for balance (her two walking sticks were hanging off the trolley so she could push it). She was very bent over with age and probably illness. Her support person (who turned out to be her husband) equally elderly and bent over, was behind her trundling their basket of supermarket goodies.
As she inched out of the supermarket hall, everyone else rushed in and out around her…. they were in a hurry, and this woman was in the way.
Even though I had my own hands full with shopping, I asked the woman if I could help her.
To my surprise, she stopped, turned her head to look at me while remaining bent over, gave me a big smile, and said ‘No, thank you. I’m perfectly fine, and my lovely husband is here to support me’. The joy on her face that I’d stopped to ask her was heart warming, as was the determination I felt in her spirit.
I walked slowly alongside her – her personal traffic warden – if you like, causing all other human traffic to slow down. In doing that, people observed this determined woman. For that fleeting moment, they were taken out of their own lives into the life of this elderly, frail woman. They acknowledged the situation and smiled too. Very briefly, we all connected with that bent over woman. It was really beautiful.
Leading from the front
As we enter the festive season, I’m going to lead by example and re-double my awareness of being present in the moment. I’ll acknowledge those around me more. Be more courteous. More respectful. More giving of myself.
In doing that, perhaps I’ll make a little difference in the life of someone around me. Maybe they’ll simply smile.
But you know what? I can’t predict or control what they will feel or how they will react. I just know I’ll feel great and it’ll augment my happiness in life even more. That’s my Christmas present to me. 🙂
ACTIONS: I’d love to hear your thoughts on the importance of the ‘small things’ in life. What’s important for you?
Could some guidance from me be helpful to you? If so, please arrange a free 30 mins Skype strategy meeting with me. Here’s my calendar to book a meeting. I’d love to support you in some way to gain ‘seductive clarity’ in any aspect of your business or life.
