Appreciate the Small Things, Post #2

I find that we often over look the little things people do. Things like holding doors, saying have a good day, and even a simple smile. Do you remember having people do these things for you? It gives everyone a good feeling. Something so simple that takes little to no effort. People do this more than you think.

            This may be just me, but if someone holds open the door for me my day improves significantly. I have seen so many people check over their shoulder before going out a door to see if they need to hold it for someone. Just in this last week there were multiple times people held the door for me. I specifically liked it when there are two doors, so I could return the favor. It’s so simple and that’s why I, and others, sometimes overlook it. We shouldn’t though. Holding doors may be simple but if we pay more attention then it can boost our days even more.

            This also applies to greetings. Walking into a business and being greeted with a genuine “hello” or “how are you” is the best. It raises spirits and gives you a connection to the individual. When I was going to high school I would always get gas at a specific gas station. It was on my way but there was another one right next to it. I would always choose this one though because of the lady who worked there. She was so sweet and always so happy to greet anyone who walked in. She had the biggest smile I have ever seen a worker have. I always left there feeling better than when I arrived.

            I personally believe that smiling can make you happier, even if you don’t mean it. The question is does it make others happier too? I honestly think it does. Seeing someone have a genuinely great time can make me so happy that I can’t help but smile. Maybe it is a group of people hanging out and laughing, or someone just having a fantastic day, both make me happy to see. Same goes for the little smiles people share while passing in the halls. You know the smile I am talking about. The smile you do when both of you have made eye contact and can’t just look away without feeling rude. It may be a forced smile but it still says something very important. You care. Now don’t get me wrong you don’t have to smile to everyone you pass. All I am saying is that these little smiles connect us to others and we get to share a moment with them that is a mutual experience. Sometimes that all your day needs for that little boost.

            This week I would like to challenge us all to take just one more second to appreciate these little things more deeply. Maybe even try to do these things more yourself. I sincerely wish everyone a lovely day.