Smiling at Old People − 14 January, 2007

Let me start by saying this…I am not being all peace, love, and happiness, but (!) I do have something I want to get off my chest. I was out jogging today when I was forced off of the trail by 2 “side-by-side walkers”. You all know the types. Here you are by yourself, and you are forced to step aside for 2 or even 3 “side-by-side walkers”. How is this possible? Why is it that the person alone must be forced off the road? I just don’t get it. If there are any admitted side-by-siders out there please help me to understand.

Another thing, if someone opens/ holds the door open for you please, please say thank you in any language that you can! I would even be happy with a little acknowledging grin, as if to say “thank you, I see you, you didn’t have to do that”. Oh well, I will not give up! I will keep holding doors open for perfect strangers!

On a more positive note I did have 2 randoms say “hi” to me the other day! Can you believe it! I didn’t even think they were crazies! I did not avert my eyes; I did not look down at the ground. No, I simply said “hello” back. And it felt good. It really felt good to know that I am not invisible. Someone saw me and acknowledged my existence. Yee-haw!

In closing, I encourage you to join me in a global warming campaign of our own. Let us raise the human compassion thermometer! It is not going to be easy to change our habits. But, with a little practice I think we can all get there. Work on your own training regime but, may I suggest by smiling at old people? They are probably the most likely to appreciate a kind gesture. You dig?

Thank you for your time, I feel better now.