In this world, you get back what you give.A few nights ago, a grumpy man at the donut shop (don’t ask me why I was at the donut shop again – long week, I say) – scowled as he walked in.
Gimme three donuts! He barked at the lady behind the counter.
She frowned, and got the donuts, not saying a word. Another man, sitting on the counter on a red stool near the cash register, remarked to the man ordering the donuts: Well she’s not a very happy camper, now is she?
The grump grunted and replied, Nope! She never is. He snatched his donuts and walked out of the store, past the line up of late-night folks crammed into the hole-in-the-wall shop to get some sugar fixings.
The next lady in the line stepped up and said, softly, Hi, How are you? The wrinkled face of the Chinese woman behind the counter relaxed and smiled. Good, good, she bubbled, bopping around the trays and the donuts. Her eyes crinkled a bit between her brows, mashing her nose in a bit. What can I get you?
I am standing in this line, the third person next, waiting for a donut. I watch these interactions, and I can’t help but think – we are mirrors of each other. People reflect back what we put out to the world. Often, the grump in them is really just the grump in us.
What are you putting out there?
***
This post was inspired by a midnight run to a donut shop down on Polk Street in beautiful San Francisco, CA. I love it. You do have all the power in the world – the power over your mind, and essentially, how you frame and see the world. What do you see? And what do you put out there?
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Sarah,
I couldn’t agree more! I see it all the time when I’m out and about AND at home with my children. How we see the world will reflect right back on us. Change your vision, change your world.
Great reminder for the day.
Betsy
Thanks Betsy! I love watching kids – they have such a unique perspective on the world and can offer us a lot to learn!
People are contagious! Hopefully we inspire more than we scar. :)
Agree! Completely!
[...] You get back what you give. [...]
Wonderful post. You are correct. I always try to put aside what’s going on in my day to be nice to those around me. They are not the ones who put me in a bad mood so why should I take it out on them?
Thanks Kristin! We are definitely allowed to be grumpy from time to time, but if it becomes a permanent thing, we ought to wonder why we are so grumpy (and whether our outlook would change if we just smiled once in a while … ). Thanks for stopping by!
Love this! It’s funny how often we need to be reminded that we get back what we send out. Your donut-shop example reminded me that the DMV works the same way I’ve found.
My mother & I walked in to the DMV and the place was full of grumpiness so she remarked loudly to the whole place “Isn’t it just a great day? Makes you happy to be alive!” Then all of a sudden the clerks picked up the pace, the customers were chatting while they were waiting and nobody was having a hissy-fit with the clerks- it was the happiest DMV experience I’ve ever had.
A simple happy burst of good energy can make all the difference in the world!
AWESOME story of the DMV. I love it. The world changes based on what you send out into it. :)
Sarah, what a coincidence you should post this today.
I just had a conversation with my neighbor who was apologizing for her yard not being perfect like everyone else’s and that she noticed my daughter and I struggling with our 11 year old lawnmower. She wanted me to know that she would help if she could. We were talking about how, if people in the neighborhood quit judging, they would realize that some of us are struggling, and that help, not condescension is the kind response.
I have grouchy days (today, for example), but when I encounter people in public, I try not to spread it. If the person behind the counter is scowling, she probably needs smiles. It might make her day.
Mother Theresa said something to the effect that if you’re judging others, you don’t have time to love them. We need more love and less judging.
Roseann
Believe it!
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