Sandy Supposes....

A Better Place?

         What can I do to make the world a better place?

         I suppose the first thing I can do is believe that my actions make a difference. I may be one citizen of the world, but I matter as much as the next person. Any carelessness, any thoughtlessness, any apathy, any indifference, any kindness, any recognition, any joy resonates. Both the good and the bad reflect who I am and the footprints I leave in my wake. No man or woman is an island. We co-exist and share this planet.

          Noticing other people is more than a courtesy. Engaging in conversations invites everyone to share. The give and take of speaking and listening validates our connections, our need to be recognized as a fellow human. No one is completely a stranger.

         Say hello. Exchange a greeting. This is an effortless way to say I see you, we are here at this place at this moment sharing the same view, the same oxygen, a similar experience. I have spoken with people crammed into the same elevator, the same subway car, the same mountain gondola, the same line waiting to pay for a purchase, the same emergency waiting room, the same corner about to cross a street. The locations and opportunities are limitless.

         I like these three sayings . Let a smile be your umbrella, everyone smiles in the same language, and if you see someone without a smile give them yours. A grin is universally accepted. It is contagious. Just watch an infant or a child light up when they espy your smile.

         I believe manners or politeness never go amiss. Thanking someone for whatever they do is the least we can bestow upon them. Every job/occupation serves a purpose and fulfills a vital service. Thank a waitress/waiter. Thank the fuel attendant. Thank the cashier or bank teller. Thank the mechanic, the nurse, the doctor.

         Holding a door open, pushing a door open, relinquishing a spot in a queue, all are recognized as thoughtful gestures. Acknowledge the civility and pass it on. The niceties are always welcome.          345 words