Thursday, May 29, 2014

This Week in my Garden ~ Be the first to say hello.

“Cultivate a good life – be the first to say hello.”
Becky Higgins shared that phrase on Facebook a couple of weeks ago
and I just loved it! I’ve been thinking about it ever since...
For the most part, I’m usually the first to say hello. Yes, I’m the person you should not make eye contact with if you are walking down the street in a totally bad mood and don’t want to be bothered!
But I’m also human, and I have off days like everyone else. On those days I am touched when a random stranger gives me a smile or says hello. I see it as a sweet little gift from the universe – an acknowledgment of my existence and a reminder that I matter.
I am truly blessed and very grateful to say that I am never lonely. I have people in my life to remind me that I matter every single day. Unfortunately for many people on this planet, that's not always the case.
What if the grumpy old guy you just walked past is one of those people? And what if you had taken a second of your day to smile and say hello to him instead of hurrying on past? That may have been the only acknowledgement of his existence that he’s had all week.
I hope the next time you have an opportunity to make eye contact with someone you will give them a smile and be the first to say hello. And I really hope the next time you’re having a rough day, someone will do the same for you!
And here's a little add-on:  The late, great Maya Angelou once said, "If you have only one smile in you, give it to the people you love. Don't be surly at home, then go out in the street and start grinning 'good morning' at total strangers."
Something else to think about...

6 comments:

debs14 said...

So true! My kids always raise their eyebrows at me when I strike up conversations with people in shops, or say hello to random people when we're out for a walk. But it's so true, that may be the only chat they have on that day. A cheery smile and a hello don't cost anything so why not pass it along?!

Sian said...

Yes, I like this post very much. We always tease J. here about his ability to talk to anyone, but I'm pleased and proud that he has passed it on to our two because you are absolutely right: a quick word or a smile can change a whole day

Maria Ontiveros said...

Such great thoughts today. Maya Angelou was the bomb, wasn't she?
Rinda

Miriam said...

What a beautiful post Deb. I like to say hello to folks, I like to see a smile come across their face. My son takes this to the extreme (we tell him) he talks for England, and to anyone and to everyone, all the time!!! but people love it! Maya Angelou, what a beautiful mind she had.

Lizzie said...

Lovely thoughts, Deb! I do have a tendency to grin at total strangers. Mostly they respond in kind - but I do get a few odd looks! It's amazing how smiling at someone else can lift your mood, when you're having a bad day. Somehow, smiles seem to be something you have to give away - to share. You can't keep them for yourself; but when you share, you usually get plenty of them back again!
Love your garden photos. All the lovely herbs and flowers (and the cute turtle too).

Anonymous said...

Love that Maya Angelou quote! We always say hi to people we meet on our walks and you should see the shocked looks we get and then a smile.

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