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February 14, 2012
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Content Rating Notice:  Recommended for Readers 18 Years and Older Only
  >> Book >> Biographical >> ID #1106553  |   Show DetailsPrinter Friendly Page Tell A Friend
Not Your Regular 'Kola
Ramblings, musings and snapshots of my world.
Rated:
18+
by
Avg Rating: (21)
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Entry #584752, added on 05-12-08 @ 9:40 pm EDT
   Entry Access Restriction: None.
*Lead Entry: A Mighty Gift*Entry #584752
In Return of the King, Faromir mentions bringing a "mighty gift" to his father, Denethor. Of course he is referring to the One Ring. One ring to rule them all.
One ring that rules the others forged and therefore ruling all the inhabitants of Middle Earth.
So much power but for what good? None.

There is a "mighty gift" that each of us own. One that is powerful enough to influence another life, even if for a moment.

What? Oh Nikola, please tell us what this gift is?

It is a simple smile.

When you are the first person someone sees in the morning, a smile can set the tone for their day. When someone is having a terrible day, a smile can ease their troubles if only for a moment. When someone is in a job that deals with people on a constant basis, a smile can sometimes be a rarity and very much appreciated.

I had a conversation about friendliness and smiling with a couple who were waiting on their order the other day. I'm still learning the ropes and am running slow and their order was taking a long time. I apologized to this wonderful couple. They told me that at least I was friendly.*Delight* I told them that is always better for everyone involved. The woman mentioned that it is so rare to see someone in a customer-based job smile when dealing with customers. I agreed. The conversation went on until their order was ready. They thanked me for my friendliness, I thanked them and we were all left with smiles on our faces. Comments such as these are what make me see that I'm making a difference.

I know that when I am overwhelmed, a simple smile can brighten my day. It is an act of courtesy, of kindness. And it is so appreciated.

My customer is right. Smiles have become a rarity. Are people too busy? Are they too caught up in their own daily worries? Perhaps. I have noticed that even more recently, perhaps the last several months, that smiles are becoming rarer. Even smiling at someone and being courteous can be met with a scowl. What happened here? In my experience a majority of people will smile back if offered a smile.

My theory is this: with the downturn of the economy, less people have something to smile about. They are stressed to the max, wondering how on earth they are going to pay for the basics of life. They are so lost in this stress and worry that a smile can't reach them.

But I try. I will continue to smile hoping that it will shine through the worry and give someone a feeling that we are all in this together, that not all of us are beyond a simple gesture of kindness. Smiling is truly contagious but these days there seems to be an immunity building. I refuse to let that immunity win.

I will continue to smile. Will you join me? Together we will brighten the world for our fellow inhabitants. We can use our "mighty gift" for good.


© Copyright 2008 Nikola (UN: nmarshall at Writing.Com). All rights reserved.
Nikola has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and its syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
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