Today’s blog is short and sweet. It was a full day – it started at 6am with a personal training session (shout out for investing my time and energy and prioritizing health!), followed by a full day of work. Followed by making homemade mac and cheese for the freshman football banquet, which I attended in honor of my son. And, the awesome capper to the day was the annual gift exchange/wine fest at my book club. So I write this daily blog at 11:30pm. After a few glasses of wine. Bear with me.
We actually didn’t discuss the book at all. But we did have a lovely evening.
However, the moment that touched me came earlier in the night at Safeway. I had stopped on my way home for work for the mac and cheese supplies. I was distracted. I gathered the supplies quickly, calculating in my head how much time I had to spare to make homemade mac and cheese, pick up carpool and make the banquet on time. As I was waiting in the check out line, I was simultaneously checking my work email, responding to a carpool text thread, texting my daughter, and sending my son some money via Venmo. Seriously.
I barely looked at the lady checking me out, gathered my groceries and hustled to my car. My mind six steps ahead.
And promptly realized I forgot a supply. So I hustled back into the store, gathered my item, and got back in line. And then I felt terrible. I didn’t even really look at the woman who checked me out just a few minutes ago. Barely gave her a smile. Muttered a thank you.
Is that how I want to show up in the world? Definitively no.
But, due to my mental load and absent mindedness, I had another shot. James was my checker for round two. He looked stressed and tired. Just like me.
I put my phone in my purse. Gave James a big smile and asked him how his day was going. I made small talk. Made a little joke. Made eye contact. And wished him a great night.
Because everyone in the world deserves to feel present. The work he does matters. And probably isn’t super joyful at times. But I can bring a little bit of joy to the world. One little smile, one little joke, one little moment at a time.
The Redefining 