“Good Morning!”

Seems simple, right? Saying “Good Morning!” to someone.   What if that person is a total stranger…would you reach out as eagerly?

Well, this morning I decided that I was going to do just that…say those two words to someone I’ve never met.

I see her often, arriving at work about the same time as I do.  We’re very different – in the way we look, the way we dress and I’m sure, countless other ways.  However, our differences don’t necessarily mean that we shouldn’t connect, or couldn’t for that matter.

So, I got out of my car, wrestling with the decision as to whether or not I would actually do it.  I mean, seriously, there shouldn’t be a lot of thought going into such a small gesture.  But for me, there was.

If she were to walk too far ahead, I wouldn’t do it.

I just happened to be able to walk fast enough that I was passing her on the right. She was looking at her phone so it seemed like it might be a little awkward.

It was.  But cheerfully, I said, “Good morning!”

You know what she said?

“Good morning!”

AND, she had a smile on her face.  I’ve never seen her smile in all the mornings that I’ve passed her coming in.  Although it could have just been a nice gesture on her part to smile back – regardless – she did it.

I felt good.  Not like I had climbed a mountain, but like I had done what I had set out to do.  Make someone smile.  A total stranger at that.  Maybe one day I’ll hang up-side-down from a tree like Robin Williams did in Patch Adams and say “HI!”

The reason I’m sharing this simple thought with you is because two words can be so profound in the eyes of another.  Reaching out to someone just to wish them a good day can be the most positive thing that has happened to them in a long time.

Even though we’re different, we’re much in the same.  We need love, respect and positive. human interaction to fulfill a deeper need that many of us will never understand.

I started this morning off with a post on Facebook that said:

“We have become so distanced from one another that we begin to see our differences rather than our similarities. We now focus on the bad before the good. Why must we point out the things that we dislike so that we are no longer able to see the very things that connected us in the first place? We will never agree on everything. We will never make the same choices in life. We are all different–unique in our beliefs, our lifestyles, our choices, our hobbies, our personalities–yet we want everyone to feel and believe as we do. It’s never too late to accept one another on your own accord; to know that your differences don’t have to separate, but can help you appreciate. Love one another for the good qualities, focus less on the bad. So many people are experiencing this in their life. If you are as well, you’re not alone. Every relationship has the potential to be in this very spot. It’s up to you whether or not you want it to stay there. Make a choice for the better. Start over today. After all, it’s Monday…a fresh start to a new week, a new month and what could be a great time in your relationships. Have a great day everyone!”

In closing, I want to say one more thing to each of you — GOOD MORNING!  Despite your differences in whatever it is, reach out to someone today.  You’ll be glad you did!