It is NO secret that we Americans (if not the entire world) are at an all time high with stress levels.  The economic impact on our cortisol levels is not too favorable.  So, as I think about what makes the difference on a day to day basis on my moods, I immediately remember an Oprah episode from many, many years ago regarding how our moods affect our own children’s moods.   I cannot recall the entire Oprah show from that day, but I remember walking away with new significance placed on how I would welcome my then little girl every day at pick up time from school.  I made more of an effort to have a smile, big hug, and lots of love, knowing how important it is for the self esteem and mood of my child.  I tried to do this regardless of what my day may have been like.  I need to get back to this level of self-awareness.
Really, we are all children at heart, aren’t we?  Don’t we all need a little warmth and kindness, especially to help mitigate the high level of anxiety that many of us seem to have lately?  I may be unique in my level of sensitivity and reaction to others, but what takes only a moment from us can have such a lasting impact on others.  I believe studies have been conducted on the contagiousness and positive effects of a smile.  I know it does for me, so I want to pass it on.
From the UPS Store girls, to the McDonald’s employees, to the Vons cash register gals (well, okay…I don’t really do the grocery shopping), to my husband, to my fellow professional partners, to the sales vendors, to my 3 children, to my friends and other family members…I know that a smile and courteous behavior that only take but a moment of effort on my end can help make them feel a LITTLE less stressed.  I’m not so arrogant as to think that I can control someone’s handle on their stress level, but I am experienced enough in life to know that I can help in a very small way.  So, guess what?  I’m resolved to do it.  I need to become more aware of my presentation, even in times of stress.  Just as with our own children, I feel we also should be more conscious about our interaction with EVERYONE on a day-to-day basis, including strangers.  Smile.  Be courteous.  Say hello.  Think about how we make others we come across each day feel.  We are human beings, and therefore we all have hearts and are all affected by those we come into contact with.  So, let’s try to have a positive effect. 
Pass it forward!

This entry was posted on Monday, March 9th, 2009 at 11:18 am and is filed under Uncategorized. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.