Baltimore Life Coaching – Christina Watson

Years ago, I used to work out at a local gym with my best girl, Vikki.  We'd meet there at 6am three mornings a week, and that buddy system really worked for us.  But 6am does come early…  Every day, I'd park my car and walk the block past the bus stop to the gym.  And each day there would be one or two people sitting on the stoop waiting for that bus.  Now, my dad was a retailer, he learned early on to be a "people" person.  I rarely saw him pass up an opportunity to greet people along his path, whoever they may be.  I inherited this same trait, so each morning I would holler out "Morning" to those folks sitting there.  I just couldn't walk by without yelling a greeting. It's how I am, how I walk this earth, with a constant desire to reach out, acknowledge, connect with my fellows.

Make no mistake, I've received some criticisms for this personality trait of mine.  My one friend, whom I traveled with every year, would lament before reaching the airport, "Are you going to chit chat up every single person we see on this trip?"  I guess it makes some people uncomfortable. I am, though, genuinely curious to know if the airline stewardess likes her job or if the cabby speaks Spanish.  And I've questioned myself.  Is it necessary?  Of course not.  Do I feel better when I reach out to other people with kindness? Oh yeah.

Of course, everybody has a bad day once in a while.  On one of mine, it was freezing cold, I didn't want to go to the gym  or anywhere.  But, of course, I didn't want to let Vikki down, so off I set.  When I rounded the corner, a wind blast in my face, I put my head down and kept walking right past that bus stop, silent.  Suddenly, this weathered old soul jumped up and fairly screamed, "Where my 'mornin'? You just walked by and didn't say nutin. Where MY mornin?"  I stopped dead in my tracks.  This man had never returned a "good morning" to me in over a year.  Not one time.  But he counted on it from me.  "Morning," I said.  He grumbled a thank you and returned to his seat. 

This encounter taught me a lesson.  My kind words do make a difference.  I can affect someone's life today - or any day - by how I choose to relate to them.  It doesn't matter if he returns my kindness, only that I give it.  I choose today whom I will serve. Besides, our kindness is ALWAYS repaid, if not by those receiving it from us, then from someone else.  It the law.  As you sow, you shall reap.  So what are you sowing today? 

For example, I received this present from someone the other day, unbidden, undeserved but oh, so welcome.  A little glimpse into the morning of my daughter, still living in a Guatemala orphanage while her adoption is processed.  What a gift.  Worth every "morning" I ever dished out. Good Morning Video 00:38