Notes

I believe in the strength of words.
Everyone has some inkling of a “down day” in their lifetime. Particularly exhausting (mentally and physically), constant hauntings of the work that does happen to get done because you half-heartedly scribbled away, and (for some) a pressing reminder of life’s burning questions such as questioning what is truly our purpose. I was having one of those days. These times for some reason enjoyed hitting me particularly hard, to the point where my brain was a headache of the jumble mentioned earlier. Did I mention that this was quite a while ago, yet what happened that day would latch onto my behavior for a long time. I recognized the student as somebody I had helped out the previous morning; all they did was express their gratitude with a smile, told me I was awesome for helping them out, and then walked away. That was it.
Parents and teachers have stopped in their tracks to look a child directly in the eyes and say, “What do you say now?” Please. “And after that?” Thank you. Since the beginning of a culture a long while ago, some indication of acknowledgement for a service would be appreciated. I wanted to mention this because there is a quote that goes a bit along the lines of “Don’t do this for the much needed chorus of thank yous, be nice even when people aren’t looking.” That is fantastic to believe in, but I’ve seen people who offer their assistance or kindness just because they can. This is the reason why a spoken compliment of any kind would likely be true. Will I be able to vouch for the majority when I state that people will always feel just a bit better when receiving a compliment? The modest would laugh but agree, the proud would be fueled with more pride, and even the mean ones might falter in their ways for a moment.
I realize now I must have looked pretty discouraged for this person to have to come up to me, but I’m really glad they did (I was happy for the whole day). I’ve remained appreciative to this day, hoping that my small words of greeting or gratitude has either made someone feel better or made their whole day altogether. I know this personally - make somebody’s day and it is likely they will return the favor for someone else. Honestly, I do try to do this to as many people I meet or who looks like they could use such a pick-me-up like I did all those years ago. Maybe this way, others will gain and keep that mindset, too. The world is, unfortunately, a very harsh place sometimes. If you see someone with a down day, perhaps you could send them a nice word? Who knows who would do the same for you someday.