The Choice Is Ours
Have you ever walked away from an interaction and thought, “I wish I had handled that differently”? I have. The truth is, we get to choose how we treat people. Friends. Family. Coworkers. Complete strangers.
We can be short, impatient, or dismissive. Or we can choose to be kind, generous, and respectful. Sometimes the difference between the two is only a few seconds of intentional thought.
Lately, I’ve been working on my words and how I show kindness to others. I certainly don’t get it right all the time, but I’m trying to be more intentional about three things.
1. Slow down. I’m trying to pause long enough to consider how I might be coming across to someone else. What I intend to communicate and what they actually experience can be two very different things. Slowing down helps me pay attention to both my words and my tone.
2. Choose my response. My feelings are real, but they don’t have to drive my words or behavior. I don’t have to react simply because I’m frustrated, tired, or irritated. I get to choose what I do with those emotions and how much of them I put on someone else.
3. Look for opportunities to be kind. When I intentionally look for opportunities to show kindness, I notice moments I might otherwise walk right past.
It might be the checkout clerk at the end of a long day. A smile and a simple, “Thank you. I hope you get some rest tonight.” Or the waiter who is obviously overwhelmed during a rush. Instead of showing frustration because our meal is taking longer, I can simply say, “It’s okay. We understand.” And maybe most importantly, it means doing the same with family and friends by trying to listen more and react less.
None of these are big things. But I’m discovering that small choices can have a significant impact, not only on the other person, but on me. The results have been pretty amazing. This intentional effort has made me more aware, more present, and, I think, a little more human.
We don’t control how others treat us. We don’t control the attitude of the person across the counter, the waiter serving our table, or even the people closest to us. But we always get to choose who we will be in that moment.
Our words matter. Our tone matters. How we make people feel matters.
When we choose to shift from only focusing on ourselves to showing kindness and respect to others, we will make a difference.
Larry
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