What little things make your day? For me, there’s a lot, but there’s one little thing that I never take for granted and always makes me smile. It’s when someone opens the door for me in public. It could be at Target, Kwik Star, Casey’s, at a restaurant… you name it.
Since moving to Iowa, it was the very first thing I noticed. As I was pulling into Cedar Rapids in my moving truck almost 2 years ago, I stopped at Casey’s. A gentleman saw me coming from a little ways away, and stayed by the door until I got there to open it for me. It was a culture shock coming from Seattle in a good way. I remember that moment very well, because what he did gave me a joyful feeling inside. I remember leaving Casey’s and immediately calling my mom to tell her that I knew I was in the right place, because people are kind and courteous here. MOST people in our area have manners, and it makes me feel at home. We actually acknowledge one another. It’s NOT that way in a lot of other places, unfortunately.
When I tried opening the door for people in Seattle, the majority of them got a confused look on their face. One time someone actually got nervous and went around me to go through another door!
Just yesterday I was in Hy-Vee waiting at the deli counter to pick up some turkey. I clearly arrived after a woman who was waiting in line, but she insisted that I go in front of her. That little gesture led to us having a wonderful conversation for a few minutes. These little things emanate goodness, and they’re so simple to do! Also, in turn, it encourages me to return the small acts of kindness to others when the opportunity arises. I absolutely love that we treat each other like human beings here in Iowa.
So, thank you and keep it up! You never know… that small gesture of kindness you do for someone today could actually turn their entire day around.
I know it has for me a few times.
C.C. 🙂
