All I Want Is To See You Smile
If you wake up and don’t want to smile
If it takes just a little while
Open your eyes and look at the day
You’ll see things in a different way ~ Christine McVie
Living through an alternative reality can be tedious and sad, while at the same time it is joyous and encouraging. The global pandemic connects us all as one people, regardless of age, culture, country and beliefs. It’s caused life to slow down. And it encourages you to take control of your life in the best ways: health practices, consideration of others, and deep thought about how to change your path forward.
Then, there is the more beautiful vision. Families are spending quality time together who would never get this chance. Our climate is thriving, in fact, renewable energy sources have outpowered coal. ASPCA adoption of pets is 90% over last year at this time. People are working together who normally wouldn’t: pharmaceutical companies; all leaders within a company; doctors, nurses and all healthcare workers. Entertainment and learning are accessible to all. Companies are finding ways to move into the 21st century who were stuck in the past. Creativity individually and collectively is thriving. Charity and good deeds are widespread. Perhaps selfish practices in the past will be more inclusive?
I was chatting with a Whole Foods team member today. She had a smile on her face and a cheery nature. She was patient with me when I asked her to check the price of something that was on sale but not registering on sale. And, she laughed when she looked at the small tote bag I brought for 23 items, and said it happened more than you’d think. While another team member checked the price for the item, we spent time talking. I thanked her for being there so that the neighborhood could buy food. I hoped she didn’t have to travel too far to be there. I remarked on her positive energy.
Then came my curiosity about our alternative reality. I asked her with the social distancing and only a small number of customers allowed in the store at one time, if her job became better. Were shoppers more pleasant? Were they more patient? Did she feel less harried and overwhelmed because of the decrease in customers and pacing? She thought and replied yes to every question. Then added, “you always have a few cases when people give you a hard time. There’s not that many anymore. Just a few.” After that, our price checker had arrived to let us know I was correct. I finished packing the bags and we wished each other, “a blessed day”.
I never would have had the time for an honest conversation with her before this. I would have been pushed forward by the next person waiting to unload their basket, speaking on their cell, and showing their impatience. (I do live in NYC.) It made me appreciate the moment, her, and her more manageable and likable job.
Whether it’s having the time to have an in-person conversation. Having the ability to truly see each other as individuals or as a connected group. To ponder how you are having a positive effect on those around you, some who you may not be familiar with. Now, is the perfect time for change. What are you thinking about?
“Just think what tomorrow will do.” ~ Christine McVie
Just think what tomorrow you’ll do.
Just think what tomorrow we’ll do.
Are you feeling it’s your time to grow as a leader? If you’d like to create a training and development plan for you that offers increased productivity, commitment and opportunities, let’s talk. Contact me at Susan@SusanGoldbergLeadership.com
