Green Street, 2013
Do you notice those people? Do they stand out for you as they do for me? Those who quietly knock on the restaurant restroom door and pause before turning the doorknob. The drivers who slow when they see a pedestrian in the crosswalk. The people who let commuters off the bus before attempting to board. And those who are kind to flight attendants, cashiers, and janitorial staff--even when it is a one-time encounter and they have no more to gain than perhaps a relieved smile
They live intentionally. They make this world softer, more inhabitable. They allow us to let our stiff defenses rest for a moment, and this space reminds us just how good the rest feels, like sunlight on cold skin.
those people are the best. just like that.
ReplyDeleteand the people that smile, as you walk on a busy street or as you job in the park... i always smile back, and I feel the energy in the universe saying thank you. They restore my trust in the humanity too.
ReplyDeletethat was "jog"!
ReplyDeleteToo often it's the crabby insensitive people who get noticed more...unfortunately. I like the thought of living intentionally to make the world softer and I'd like to think that all of us took the time to notice their gentle hearts more.
ReplyDeleteAh, yes. People who, no matter their status, possess true elegance.
ReplyDeleteYes, sunlight on cold skin. Niceness does feel just like that. And it's the one thing I hold above all else.
ReplyDeletethat ice plant!!!!
ReplyDeleteToo bad those people are few and far between and are not the norm anymore. But I'm grateful there are still some of us left.
ReplyDeleteThis post made me think of a Marcel Proust quote:
ReplyDelete"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy,they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom"
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Denise,it's always a pleasure to visit your blog :)
I thank God for these gracious people who soften the world. :)
ReplyDeleteyes, it is those people who, in their quiet, graceful way, keep the great world spinning.
ReplyDeletebeautiful post. thanks Denise
yes - there is an awful lot to said for being nice - just nice, polite, and quietly thoughtful of others... perhaps the actions of these people will rub off on others, and little by little the world will become nicer and more thoughtful...a small wish...but perhaps...
ReplyDeleteI was just thinking about 'those people' this morning(really). I know so many of them, and I am trying to learn form them because to be honest I have not always been that nice. I was at a funeral service yesterday which was very, very sad, even if I had not been particularly close to the woman who had passed away. But I was privileged to watch a whole group of really amazing moms form my daughter's school, taking care of the sick friend, taking care of her children, meals for the family for almost a year, I can't adequately tell you the level of care and thoughtfulness I witnessed. The abundance of good heartedness (is that a word?) continued at the service with people being warm and open and grieving, and building a great community at the same time. I am really trying to process it all this morning and I since I have always been a 'lone wolf', I am taught a great lesson. Sorry, this has been such a long comment. I so respect and adore 'those people', they make life worth living.
ReplyDeletexx
I understand your thinking. I have some lone wolf thoughts of my own.
DeleteI love these people. I don't always see them but sometimes I feel or hear them around me as I navigate. Or when my husband shares it with me later. I feel much gratitude. I have always been a person to do such things but nowadays it is not always possible, safe or obvious for me, but I still try whenever I can.
ReplyDeleteYes...
ReplyDelete...Sometimes I manage to be that person, other times not. But I do work on it.
Yes, Denise. I think the old saying that you can tell a lot about a person by the way they treat "those people" rings true. This post says a lot about you, too. Thank you for honoring them.
ReplyDeletei so do. all. the. time.
ReplyDeleteand how quietly wonderful to shine a spotlight on them. thank you.