Complimentary Gift

This week’s post is a great follow up from our discussion last week about judgment, or at least I think so.

I would categorize myself as not the most outgoing individual. I’d prefer not to waste time and effort on idle chatter. I’m quite content to keep to myself and in fact can spend hours alone with no TV or distractions of any sort. I just kind of go about my business, both at home and out in the world. But I decided to change things up a bit and I must say the results have been successful.

This week as I meandered about in my community I intentionally gave others compliments or well wishes. When my eyes landed on the latest stranger coming my way I scanned the situation in an effort to share a kind word.

I didn’t offer anything necessarily grand, just a whisper of thoughtfulness. I saw a noticeably pregnant woman and wished her luck in her obviously near adventure. One particular shopper looked quite dapper in his purple shirt and tie and so I told him so. I even told one woman I liked her eyebrows! I know it sounds silly but she had clearly put a lot of time and effort into the stellar shape of her brows and I thought they looked cool, so I told her. I was always genuine in what I would say.

Each time something caught my attention I would share my offering with its intended receiver, and on I went. I must admit it was quite fun, sort of like a treasure hunt and it was heartwarming to see a flicker of gratitude spark in someone else’s eyes. Although- the eyes did prove to be the one of the challenges in my little adventure because sooo many people do not make eye contact as they’re going about the world and so it was hard to get their focus, but I persevered.

And I’m glad I did because I felt joyous after my jaunts. I realized that my experiment was a service to me as well. With my mind consumed by my charitable goal it had no space for critical judgment (See that’s where last week’s blog comes into play.) and I liked that lighter feeling.

Perhaps this next week you too can step out of your comfort zone in order that you might provide a loving moment to those that may cross your path. Let them know for an instant that they matter and that they were seen. I promise you, you too will be on the receiving end of your own sense of comfort.

Be well and happy.