Be nice

Today I thought I would combine two acts of kindness into one, seeing as though I am a little behind.

The first is to

"Take a moment to offer word of gratitude to a bus or taxi driver and let them know how much you appreciate their service." (Wahba, 2017)

The quote for this day is:

"A compliment is something like a kiss through a veil" - Victor Hugo

What can we take from this? Sometimes we take people for granted.. We expect that they are always going to be there for us, at our beck and call. They are offering a service and getting paid for it, however what sacrifices might they be making in order to do so?

By thanking them, I mean really, genuinely thanking them, we are acknowledging their true existence. We can see them for the mother, the father, the son or daughter that they are, not just the driver. We all get caught up in our own drama's, not thinking about what others might be going through.

In cities like Toronto, there are qualified Doctors driving taxis, because their qualifications are not recognized here, and they have to do whatever  it takes to make ends meet and provide for their family. Do we see them the same as us? Or do we just assume that they are less qualified?

By simply taking the time to look someone in the eyes, make a proper connection, see past any false opinions or judgements we have, we may realize that we are all equal.

This ties in so well with the next act from Jan 10th:

"Find yourself waiting in a line today? Break the ice and engage in a few minutes of conversation with others. Not only will the time go faster, you may come out of it with a new friend." (Wahba, 2017)

"Courage is the power to let go of the familiar." - Raymond Lindquist

This is something that I think is becoming harder and harder to do. People seem to be so wrapped up with their own problems, limitations and insecurities, or have their head stuck in their phone, and the art of civil conversation between two random strangers is becoming obsolete.

15 years or so ago, if you were caught in a line up, or even passing someone in the street, chances are they would make eye contact, smile and say hello. These days, I find that strangers are less likely to do this. They keep their heads down, staring intently at their phone, not wanting to get involved in a conversation with a real live person, but rather 'chat' via messenger with someone.

Perhaps we are becoming more insular, relying on social networking to converse with people. Maybe people find this less confrontational if they have something negative to say. Maybe our lives have got so busy that we feel we do not have time to stop and chat with a complete stranger.

I ask you to consider this though. Imagine you are in a line with a senior citizen in front or behind you. Imagine this senior is a widow, living alone, with no family close by. Imagine you might be the only person they get to speak to today. Think about how lonely they might be, and spare a few minutes of your day to make theirs.

Kindness costs nothing. Let them know that you see them. Make a connection, make someones' day better.