I have discovered a new medicine at the pharmacy this week!
Well, it isn't actually 'new'. In fact, it's been around for a long time. But this week I've been giving it out more frequently and have been impressed by the immediate results it provides.
"It" is attention and a kind word.
When I have encountered less-than-pleasant customers at the pharmacy, I have always tried to be cordial - with the hopes they will lighten up a bit, too. But this past week I decided to go further. Rather than reacting to my situations, I tried to shape them.
I noticed the beautiful earrings one woman was wearing, and I told her how much I liked them.
I complimented another woman on her pretty shirt.
A 96-year-old woman walked up to the counter and I told her how wonderful she looked.
Spent some time talking with a 9-year-old boy while his mom's prescription was getting finished, and encouraged him to help his mom through her illness.
And I noticed a similar response from each of these individuals.
*Smiles on their faces.
*Brightness in their eyes.
*A lift in their voices.
*Even an appearance of standing a little taller.
It was so easy! I paid attention to these people. Looked at them, saw remarkable things, and said so. And they responded immediately.
Working in the pharmacy, I have become increasingly aware of our tendency to point out that which is unsatisfactory - our propensity to complain. (As if mothering didn't show me enough of that behavior!) But it has also given me the opportunity to 'experiment' on several individuals each day, to confirm how effective attention and a kind word can be at lifting a person's spirits.
You don't need a prescription for this medicine, and there are no over dose warnings. Take it with or without food. It will not make you drowsy or dizzy. Apply it liberally whenever you have the opportunity!
13 comments:
Yep. Works almost every time. Love you friend. See you in a few weeks.
Leah
Leah - And when it doesn't work, I shoot them with prayer darts. *wink*
Can't wait to see you at the gIRL gathering!
I do find being kind in difficult situations DOES help lighten the mood. I wish you were my pharmacist. I could use your help at my pharmacy!!!!
Amen Karen!
Of the two homes I lived between as a child it was my Grandparents home where I learned SO much that was GOOD and GODLY. One of the key things Grandma taught me was "kindness and hospitality".
She often said, both go together. We see so little of kindness in the world today and sadly at times even in the body of Christ not just in business etc.
I appreciate your sharing! I'm praying for you and your family!
Love you.
"Rather than reacting to my situations, I tried to shape them"
Oh my gosh...this is my FAVORITE sentence!! So much wisdom in this one & one I will most definitely remember!! Love it!!
Great post, Karen!!
have an awesome weekend!
Hugs...
Patricia
Laundress - It's amazing what a kind word can do to a difficult situation. I love it!
Lisa - I agree - there is too little kindness in our world. But we can do something to change that! Even if it's just in our little corner. *grin*
Patricia - I'm so glad you saw that sentence. It's the heart behind my motivations these days...realizing I don't have to wait for someone else to color the view. I can be the one to start it off right!
I like to chat with people too, especially when I worked at the front desk at the clinic. It brightens their day when they feel like someone cares. One time after Dane had started to see his ENT, a lady called our clinic to make an appointment and her son was being referred by the same ENT that Dane sees. She was so freaked out. She was not pleasant At. ALL. But I tried to think about how I would react in her shoes and so I related with her. I told her that my son sees the same doctor and if from my experience with him I thought he didn't just idly suggested something. That he truly meant what he said. I also stated that his laid back attitude was a bit disconcerting (like you can't tell if it's really a big deal or not) and she totally agreed. I could tell that she felt so much better.
I think that was one of the longest appointment phone calls I have ever been on. Then, I scheduled her with one of my favorite doctors at our clinic and assured her that she would LOVE him (I have never heard a complaint about him). That he would make sure she understood everything. It felt so good to help her. She was a completely different person from when we started the conversation. It was so refreshing!
That is awesome Karen. what a blessing you are. True evidence of you reap what you sow. It doesn't take that much effort either...just sow a little kindness and attention. I like this! Blessings to you sweet sister.
Gianna - That's a wonderful story!
In each circumstance, we have a choice - to react defensively and dish out what's been dished to us, or to take a deep breath and respond with kindness. Love to see the difference kindness can make!
Leslie - You're right. It doesn't take much effort. And the joy it brings makes me want to put forth more effort to do it all again! *grin*
Very true... I just had a tough day... non co-operative people and by the small nudging from inside (who else other than His Spirit :) I had told my collegue that her voice is very very sweet and plesant to hear and the air between us changed completely, she has become more sympathetic on my situation and I more understanding on her situation... After a long day, I thought of getting some peace and come to you and here you reflects the same... thanks Karen! I guess at times, He works on the same issues among various people and connect them together.... have a great day.
Rosy - So glad God used my situation to encourage you in yours!
Yes. Sometimes He works that way. He knows just what we need and He is so good at bringing it about!
Thanks Karen! This week seems to have given me lots of reasons to complain, and it's been SO hard to choose to look for opportunities to do good instead of passing on the negative experiences to others. Your post has encouraged me to try harder and ask for God's help.
Jenn - We can always find reasons to complain, and I agree it's hard to do good when we feel so much more like continuing the negativity.
But with God all things are possible. Amen?
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