Thank you, Pops!

I just read the article you shared in the second Gaiscioch magazine.  A great reminder that while life is hard for all of us and if you approach people with kindness instead of mistrust, we all benefit.

It was a great perspective...

There are lessons to be learned from everyday life - everyday.  We just must be observant enough to notice them and  obviously Pops and his wife are.

I have taken the habit to ask the check out clerk - at whatever store I am in - how their day is going (about 75% ask me and my response is always "Just Wonderful - how is your day going" and when I leave they typically say "Have a good day" or something similar.  I always respond in kind. 

Now I know they are trained to do this - I worked enough retail in my life.  But it is amazing how much more polite and friendly they are - and some are even appear shocked - after I reciprocate their kind words with those of my own.   I watch the many shoppers in front of me and it is seldom that they do what I have started doing and I admit that I didn't always do this myself - especially if the cashier said nothing but the courteous  "Hello", "Hi". and on some occasions (especially if it was a male - yes, I am taking you guys to task) either nothing - or a nearly inaudible "grunt".

Being kind is infectious and even on the days I feel my worse - being nice to someone and having them respond with a smile makes me feel better.  Try it - pay it forward - whether in the game you love to play or in real life.  It will pay you back three fold and with just a few acts of kindness each day - you can bank a lifetime of happiness.

Thanks Pops for the great article!