“America’s Soul…
If found, please return to the below address.”
I
went to the gas station this morning for a couple gallons and politely asked
the attendant for… “$10 on pump 5, please.”
She immediately smiled and replied with… “You’re the first person that
has said please in a week!” How is that
possible? Am I that removed from reality
to understand that people no longer say “Please” and “Thank you?” Am I the last living relic, from days gone
by, that actually appreciates the assistance of others? If that in fact is the case, we have reached
critical mass. In order to find the
answer, I have to look within myself.
What are my objectives throughout an average day? How many interactions do I have with the
service industry? What is my mindset
when I enter these establishments? And
finally, does anything distract me during said interactions? Sounds easy right? Well, not so much. Heck, I have a hard time figuring out where I
am at a given time, let alone how I react in each situation…
The
first question is simple enough. “What
are my objectives throughout an average day?”
Just to get through it! Sprinkle
in a little of this and a little of that and viola, it’s 5pm and I’m heading
home. In all seriousness, it consists of
meetings (face to face & virtual), travel to and from, lunch (which normally
includes whatever I threw in the cooler and can choke down in as little time as
possible), quiet time to write and putting out whatever fire sparked during the
day.
“How
many interactions do I have with the service industry?” This can vary, but sufficed to say, 100+. You see, I do not differentiate between
industries. I include every person I see
at the gas station, people I park next to, individuals I pass entering
buildings, neighbors in their yards, homeless individuals, elderly folks trying
to get their groceries in the car and with whomever else I may come in contact.
All interactions are important to me and
I attempt to leave every person in a better position after our meeting, than
before.
“What
is my mindset when I enter these establishments?” Most of the time I am trying to get in and
out as quickly as possible, which means I hit fast forward. This escalated pace does not keep me from “stopping
to smell the roses." That means I
am always on the lookout for someone in need.
That could mean an individual changing a tire, someone with their hands
full trying to back out of a store, someone who just dropped a bag and spilled
everything on the concrete, or someone who looks like they’re carrying the
weight of the world.
Finally,
“Does anything distract me during said interactions?” Uhhhh, yeah!
Can you say Smart Phone? Twitter
updates, new posts on Instagram, e-mails, texts and phone calls. The “Legalized Leash” yanks me back into
place about every minute and for some reason I dig it. This causes me to lose focus during everyday
interactions and sometimes makes me miss the emergence of synchronicity. For example; the other day I was in the car
and a commercial came on talking about Tabasco sauce. Just then I passed a street with the same
name. That has to mean something… Right?
To
wrap all this up with a pretty little bow, I’ll show you the wisdom of
positivity and patience. Clearly we all
lead hectic lives and have our own issues… But that shouldn’t stop us from
lending a hand to someone in need, being courteous to a cashier, allowing
someone to merge onto a busy highway, holding a door, or even donating time at
the local soup kitchen. I have lived the
other way and am here to tell you that my days go much smoother now that I care about every person I meet. Giving a
smile and a pat on the back is a hell of a lot better than growling while
laying on the horn. We were born to work
together, for each other. No derision
can be accepted. Life is tough enough
without adding negative vibes. Be
extraordinary today and positively impact everyone you meet!
Todd P Coleman ©
@SenseUncommonLLC.blogspot.com
See
my below poem and pic…
Turn the Page
A new year births new
hope
The ability to cope and
a chance to prosper
Hold your head high and
try to change
Rearrange and bend to
avoid the norm
“Weather the storm” and
take a chance
“Live the dream” and scream
from the rooftop
Don’t stop until you’ve
succeeded
Positivity is needed
I’m positive it’s
amazing
Blazing your own trail
gives a sense of pride
It shifts the tide and
rolls in your direction
Make the selection and face
the grind
The end result is peace
of mind
Todd P Coleman ©
@SenseUncommonLLC.blogspot.com
@theosu8 & @howproseisthat (Instagram)
@todd_coleman16 & @howproseisthat (Twitter)
