Some of what we do is obvious
Since I can no longer sit at my favorite coffee house, I, like any community minded, socially distant, public spirited citizen, have to watch people from afar. I will try and find time to take my tablet outside, find a nice place to sit and update my social media status, read some articles or put on headphones and listen to podcasts. I’m not very focused; instead, I’ll glance at an article or post a photo and then look around, giving myself the luxury of letting my mind drift. From this process come ideas for speeches or columns. It’s also one way I get ready for my day.
From my vantage point, I observe the short line of six-feet-separated patrons eagerly waiting to pick up their previously ordered pastries, bagels and, of course, their Morning Joe. I am intrigued by the tide of patrons. Why are they here? What brought each of them? What do they do?
One can immediately tell the vocation of some by their apparel. Health care professionals are adorned in scrubs. Although of various colors or decorated with animals, at a glance one can deduce, “She works at a doctor’s office.”
Of course, public safety employees — fire, law enforcement, ambulance — are easy to ascertain, as is a wellgroomed individual in a gray, pinstriped suit — business person.
Some of what we do is obvious. So, it was apparent that the thin man in the big-pocketed white jeans with the T-shirt spotted with colors was a painter. Although not a purchased-from-the-rack uniform, his attire — as clearly as a stethoscope declares doctor or dress whites label a sailor — broadcasted his profession.
Some of what we do is obvious.
“I like your column,” he called to me from behind his mask. “I read it all the time. It’s helped me stay healthy. I even lost weight from some of your tips.”
Setting down my tablet, I replied, “Thank you — and congratulations.” And noticing his size, added, “You don’t look like you need to lose weight, or you’ve been very successful.”
He laughed, “No, I don’t need to. But, I find it inspirational.”
I guess it goes without saying that he was friendly (and had good taste, obviously). Our across-the-distance conversation meandered politely through the fields of family and weight loss, culminating when he joked about now being embarrassed because he was picking up a doughnut. Waving and smiling as he retrieved his goodies and left, he departed the bakery line and was absorbed in the faceless river of people racing to work. My attitude, a tad dour when I sat down, had brightened. I found myself smiling.
Some of what we do is obvious. Some, not so much.
Sometimes a trivial act, a kind simple gesture can — even without conscious realization — uplift another. A stranger’s comments such as the painter to me or holding open a door for a stranger or complimenting a co-worker — any of these can change the face of another’s day. We don’t know it will, because it’s “just something we do.” But, it surely does.
So, too, does taking care of oneself. Too often, we mistakenly believe we’re making it difficult for those around us as we become conscious of our choices and alter our patterns. But, reality is they look at us as an inspiration, satisfied that someone they love is taking better care of herself. They feel proud, sharing our joy.
We might not see that, certainly not at first. But watching over our health, especially now, also uplifts our family and friends — while protecting them at the same time. Like the ripple caused by a stone thrown into a lake, it reaches shores we might not see.
The painter inspired me. Hopefully, I have passed it forward. Now, it’s your turn to give it to someone else.
He probably thought he was just being friendly, but it didn’t make it any less valuable.
Some of what we do is obvious. Some, not so much. Do it anyway.
Scott “Q” Marcus is a professional speaker and founder of www. ThisTimeIMeanIt. com, where he can be contacted for coaching, consulting, and presentations. During this social distancing period, he is conducting monthly online workshops on setting goals and getting past what holds you back. Find out more at www. ThisTimeIMeanIt.com/ intentions.