Photo shared by -Deb Strother, Santa Fe, NM
Let’s get creative – in the checkout line. When you are going out shopping and paying for the items you have selected do you speak to the person helping you with the purchase? If the answer is already yes, please continue and consider leaving a comment below to share your happy exchanges with us! If the answer is no, then this weekend when you go somewhere try speaking to the people helping you. Ask them about their day, make a kind comment about something they’re wearing, or open yourself up beyond this if you feel inclined to see what more may follow. This activity should not feel forced, rather fueled by the importance of consciously seeking commonalities in one another. When we focus on connecting with humanity through similarities the separation we feel begins to fade. Have FUN with people, find connection –
“The area where we are the greatest, is the area in which we inspire, encourage, and connect with another human being.” Maya Angelou
Presence and Positivity 
One of my very favorite things is to talk with folks I don’t know. I do follow my inner voice as to who I speak to. I always speak to children who are waiting in the store line, they can brighten any day! I also love to give out smiles to those who look like they need a friendly face.
For some, it may be the only smile they get that day.
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Thank you for sharing! Smiles make a very big difference in the day ❤ ~Valerie
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Great post! This is actually a hobby of mine. When I go shopping, when someone makes eye contact with me, they get acknowledgement via a smile. I find this especially rewarding with older people, who really appreciate being noticed. Little kids are easy! I love complimenting ‘tweens. They tend to be shy, often trying to appear older than they are. I watch how they are dressed, what they are doing, and find something to compliment. After one or two, I get the smile. Self-conscious, but there it is, all the same! Cashiers always enjoy being acknowledged and knowing that the customer actually sees them and cares about how they’re getting through their day.
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It’s interesting to observe the variance of response by age and person to person. I like to see how people respond as well 🙂 -Valerie
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I spent my Saturday making a point to introduce myself to strangers. When dining out, Mark and I always choose to sit at the bar or community table instead of being seated to ourselves. Oh the possibilities!!!!!
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Deb – I bet you had some interesting interactions… My mind could go running with the possibilities since you left it open in that way! Love it. The kids and I joined family at the beach for part of their vacation and experienced fun conversations on the elevator. I made a point to speak with everybody on the elevator and in the hallway. I had an especially fun exchange with a woman working at the hotel. When she stepped on to the elevator her face lit up and she said, “I can feel really good energy in here! Usually it’s ho-hum sad faces and looking at the floor”. I also stepped out for an hour or so to do classwork and ended up having a very long conversation with a woman who worked in education administration, specifically focused in EC. She shared that her grandson has down syndrome. We spoke at length about the strength her daughter has exhibited and her fight for his optimal care. This was followed by the next group that sat at the table beside me bringing along a girl going into first grade who felt talkative as well. I believe she told me all kinds of things her mother would have preferred I didn’t know but at the same time did not stop her from saying. There must have been a flashing sign above my head that said, “please talk to me”. This is what happens when you self assign outreach 🙂 ha! Valerie
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I agree Deb! Luke and I love a communal feel when we are out. After all, if we had wanted to be alone, we would have stayed home 🙂 People are wonderful and we can be reminded of this every day with a hello! You are brilliant at this, I have witnessed it.
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