Friday, October 30, 2009

Where has the courteous hello gone?

What is it people are afraid of these days?

Why not say hello to some stranger today? Everyone used to say hi to everyone they came into contact with. Everyone knew everyone else too. I understand there weren’t that many of us back then but come on. What makes today any different? I understand the craziness of the way things are today that can cause the fear. However does a simple “Hello, how ya doing?” mean they now know your name, your address, where you work, etc? No it doesn’t. If you don’t give out the information then they won’t know.

My biggest thought is there are so many unhappy, frustrated, and worn out people in the world anymore that probably don’t have anyone to listen to them. When your having a bad day don’t you want to be able to share it, to get it out, be able to let go? I know I do. I feel blessed I have a select few people I am able to so to speak vent to. Don’t you feel better when you do to? Keeping everything bottled up is like having a hand grenade with the pin barely hanging in there. One more thing could set someone off, make that pin slip out. Which I think is why so many people today are going crazy. No one wants to listen anymore.

So I ask the true question, “Why Not?” Take the time. Say hello, ask how their day went, if they open up let them. Just listen. An open ear is the most valuable thing these days. As well as very rare. People are so busy, so consumed in their own chaotic life, they don’t tend to realize what may be happening right in front of their face. I’m not asking you to strike up an hour long conversation about everything going on, but if you got 30 seconds you have the time to smile and give a “HI” or “Have a nice day.”

Or you don’t even have to speak say your walking down the sidewalk, hallway at your work, wherever and someone drops something. Help them pick it up, smile and go on. Wouldn’t you like someone to stop for you? Simply stopping and opening your eyes maybe you will see what I mean. Everyone has such a sad, or straight face anymore no one is smiling. Go ahead I dare you stop and look around. Tell me what you see.

I promise to you that you will walk away with this grand feeling. Very confident knowing you helped someone today. Maybe it was something little but you still made a difference. You may not think it was that much but I’m sure the one you listened to has quite a weight lifted from them. Or the one you helped may pass it on by helping someone else. Plus who knows you may find a great friend out of it depending on where you choose to perform this task you could call it. Especially if its someone you pass day after day. Some people just need to take the first step and the chain reaction will soon follow. This whole thing reminds me of that commercial for an insurance company or something where one person helps, someone sees, then they help and so on. Can’t for the life of me remember the name but I’m sure you have seen it to.

So will you take my dare? Stop and take a look. Make something happen, or make someone’s day. Either way someone will benefit from it.

2 comments:

Pam said...

Yes Sam (is Sam ok?) it would be nice... being from a small town and another time UGH! I remember the days of not being afraid of personal closeness... not having anyone to talk to is why I started blogging... not quite the same...but at least its some kind of contact...
nice blog...

Mama Sammi said...

Thank you!! and yes Sam is ok. Most people call me Sammi. Look forward to sharing with you.

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