Embrace your superpowers, connect with others, & leave places better than how you found them
“Make your interactions with people transformational, not just transactional.” (Patti Smith)
When it comes to food shopping, I typically make small daily walks to one of the three supermarkets closest to my home. Being what the employees might call a “regular,” I always put in the effort to make my interactions meaningful.
I introduce myself to the cashiers and — in the case of the college students — learn something about their studies. This enables me to ask more specific questions than “How are you?”
After greeting them with a “good morning,” I ask about their lives, thank them for packing my purchases, and wish them a great day as I leave. Without fail, the folks behind me on the line notice on some level.
As I walk away from the counter, I always hear the next person offer their own “good morning” in a cheerful voice. I leave the supermarket better than how I found it.
This is one of my superpowers.
It’s also one of your superpowers. The events of the past three-plus have been enough to leave anyone feeling powerless. But, fear not, you have within you the ability to make someone’s day — or, at least, someone’s hour — with just a few words and a smile.
Your words are healing.
Your smile is healing.
Your energy can change lives.
P.S. You can be kind without first finding out where the other person agrees/disagrees with you.
“Encourage one another daily.” (Hebrews 3:13)
You have no idea how much your encouragement can mean to someone else. Commit to leaving places better than how you found them.
So, what will you do today (and every day) to activate your superpowers and be a positive presence in the lives of those you encounter?
I was working with someone recently who told me a story of a guy in a toll both. For younger people, these are the men that operated the booths and would take your money before EZ Pass. Lane 3 was always several cars deep while the other lines were sparse. The reason was that the locals knew the guy in lane 3. He was kind and conversant. He offered 30 second relational check-ups for the locals. They went out of their way to use his lane, and his employer did not seem to mind.
Mickey has the right stuff. The good thing about name tags in supermarkets is that it allows us to look people in the eye and address them by name. Everyone has a name. Everyone matters.
So true! As a corollary to what you've written I would add that when people walk around spreading negativity wherever they go, it's a cry for help. As hard as it is to have positive interactions with them, they are the ones who need this the most.