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failed at today's spiritual exercise

A big pet peeve of mine is that I feel that in today's world people have forgotten how to respect other people, how to be polite, or just to be pleasant.

I believe that we make a "spiritual impact" on every person we have contact with in the world, even if it is simply passing by them. A pleasant smile or a simple "hi!" can brighten a person's life. Think about it . . . you're standing at a checkout line in a store -- it's your turn, the clerk doesn't say hello, doesn't smile, never makes eye contact, slams your merchandise into a bag. Maybe it doesn't make you feel bad, but you sure don't feel good, either. In fact, you might be talking to yourself in your head, "She thinks she has it bad . . . she should have my job !" or "She shouldn't be working here with that attitude!" If the clerk smiles at you, wishes you to have a good day, and appears that it's no bother to be bagging your merchandise, you probably will respond with a smile, feel happier and think, "What a nice person!"

Today, I made it my spiritual exercise to make that "positive impact" on everyone I came across today. My drive to work consists of a small town with very congested traffic. I let people into the line of traffic with a big smile and an enthusiastic wave of my hand. I smiled and cheerfully said "Hello!" to everyone I passed in the halls of the facility where I work. People cheerfully smiled back. It was a good feeling.

However, the "tidal wave" of work crested!! I answer 6 lines on the phone, work for 4 cancer doctors who continually ask for things, greet all patients arriving, register all new patients, check on insurances for newly scheduled patients, etc., etc. I noticed that I didn't have time to greet some of the patients with as much exuberance as I had planned, that my smile was kind of false and tight, and I could hear the stress in my tone of voice.

It made me realize that this may be why the clerk in the store acts the way she does. She is probably overworked, underpaid. So, everyone, give the clerk a hand -- maybe you can pack the bags for her. If she doesn't let you, just be courteous and still smile at her.

I feel that many of the changes in our society not being as friendly and courteous is because of our quick pace. Let's show patience as we wait for service.

I felt like I failed in my goal today. However, I will try again tomorrow -- I truly want to create that "positive impact" on all those I encounter each and every day!