Change the world…

This week I’ve got a big title but I’m asking for such a little effort. I believe we all change the world each and every day, either for the better or for the worse, by the smallest of our actions.

As I walk Diesel through dog park every day, I’ve made it a point to greet everyone I come across with a “good morning” and a smile. About 60% of those people return the salutation enthusiastically which often leads to further conversation. Another 30% return my greeting but usually don’t break stride or return the smile. The remaining 10% find it easier to look anywhere else and pretend they didn’t hear me. These people really bum me out. The smallest of gestures can lead to such great things. Haven’t they ever seen the movie Jerry Maguire? If there was no “hello,” the movie really would have been missing something.

At school, I always greet all the kids the same way and often include a fist bump or high five (I’m still retired, but I’m tutoring once a week). It doesn’t matter if I have the kids in class, or if I even know them, all of them are going to see my smiling face. I’ve found that the younger the kid, the more enthusiastic the response. If only we could all walk around with that much joy.

At the afterparty for the Les Turner ALS Walk for Life, I was reminded that I haven’t always been that way. It was pointed out to me that I was known for standing at the end of the bar by the Golden Tee machine, watching over the crowd with a serious look on my face, spending more time writing notes on guest checks than sharing smiles with our staff. Looking back, all I can think is what a waste of time and energy. I’m surprised anyone kept working for me, not to mention taking the time to show up to support me at the Walk. As Toby Keith sang, they must have loved Durkin’s.

Twelve years ago when I started working in the school systems, I was shocked that “please” and “thank you” were seldom heard from anyone – students and teachers alike. That prompted a game I’ve brought with me through all the time I’ve spent in the halls of our educational system. The rules are simple. Anytime a request is made, by me or a student, it must be accompanied by a “please.” When the request is granted, a “thank you” is required. Any person not applying the proper etiquette owes the offended party five push-ups. It’s a fun game that keeps all of us on our toes (and keeps me in shape).

In our adult world, it’s kind of hard to ask someone you’re working with to do push-ups. But just maybe if we start using “please” and “thank you” more often, they’d follow our example. I’ll also challenge you to make eye contact more often and even throw in a smile now and then. It may be the best thing that happens to the recipient all day… and just may make yours a little better as well.

So what does all this feel good stuff have to do with me and ALS? That’s easy. When I’m busy trying to make another person’s day better, I’m too busy to worry about my own troubles. Making your day better makes mine better as well. What a concept.

Don’t listen to me, listen to Uncle Kracker, and smile.

As I’m giving advice, I know I’m cheating because I’m blessed to wake up every morning with the one who puts the first smile of the day on my face. An old Keith Whitley song kept running through my head, so I tracked it down to share with you.

I titled this blog change the world and I honestly believe we all do, whether we mean to or not. I pray that this week you’ll find a way to do so for the better.

Thank you for reading again this week. Please come back again next Friday if you find something you like.

And, as Lester Holt used to say when he signed off his nightly news cast: Please take care of yourself, and each other.

Finally, I’ll leave you with what has become my tag line: Find joy wherever you can, then share it.

Have a great week.

God bless.

Coach

Almost forgot… For all you Diesel fans, it’s kind of hard not to smile with this little man around, no matter what kind of mischief he gets into.