Some good ways to start being more thoughful include:
- Picking up after yourself. When you get ready to leave an area, turn around. What have you left behind that someone else may have to deal with? Trash, cigarette butts, food, spills, your personal stuff like keys, earphones, books, pens, phones, ipods, games, glasses etc...? Take a minute and pick it up.
- Smile. At home, at work, on the street, at the park, while driving, biking, hiking, swimming (well maybe not while swimming), while talking on the phone. You will feel better, and the people that see it will too.
- Saying thank you. Thank everybody that does something for you. Cashiers, taxi drivers, doormen, your children, your parents, housekeepers, teachers, librarians, waiters, nurses. When someone thanks you, answer with "You're Welcome". After saying "You're Welcome", then thank them if you want to. When you answer with "You're Welcome", instead of "Thank You" immediately back, you are graciously acknowledging their thanks, and that you are worthy of being thanked. (By not immediately thanking them back, it silently reminds them that they actually have to do something to warrent a "Thank You" instead of just getting thanked for not really doing anything!)
I'm trying to employ two or three thoughtful ways of behaving every day (week, month?) It is hard sometimes, but if we each make an effort we can turn this rudeness trend around! Thank you for your time today.
No comments:
Post a Comment