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...