Like a pebble dropped into a pond

Wish has not yet been granted
Wishing Well

As a kid, I was pretty shy. When new people would come over to my parents’, I would hide out in my room until my mom would make me come out and say hello, then I’d retreat as quickly as I could.

I was also an only child and a “latchkey kid” who spent a lot of time at home alone after school while my parents were at work. Not surprisingly, I’m an introvert by nature. I have a good personality and sense of humor, and I’m easy to get along with. I’m also reserved, introspective, and perceived as an even-keeled and mellow guy. A manager once described me as “one who flies under the radar.”

On Youtropolis, a lot has been written about kindness, its benefits, and the importance of exhibiting it regularly. Acts of kindness aren’t about grand gestures. Looking someone in the eye, smiling, and saying Hi can make a person feel good and improve their day.

Such gestures, while simple, don’t always come naturally to the introvert. My inner critic may warn me that making eye contact is creepy, that my friendliness may be misinterpreted or unwelcome, and that, these days, people prefer to be left alone. These warnings are nonsense and rooted in the fear of rejection.

It’s a work in progress, but I’ve been proving my inner critic wrong by frequently smiling and saying hello to strangers. Most respond positively to my friendliness, and on occasion, it has led to short and pleasant interactions. One, in particular, took place last weekend that I wanted to share.

In a grocery store parking lot, I walked past a man who looked to be in his 70s loading groceries into his trunk. I said, “Good morning, sir,” and his response delighted me. He smiled broadly, returned my greeting, and asked how I was doing. His body language and warm demeanor showed he was genuinely interested in knowing, and wasn’t merely being polite.

We talked for a minute, and his appreciation for life was evident. He said, “What a great day it is that we can get out and do all we need to in this nice weather.” Getting into his car, he said, “Thank you for saying hi and for being present in my life today.”

Walking into the store, I felt happy, energized, and grateful for crossing paths with this kind, heart-centered man. I also appreciated that my greeting made our interaction possible.

The positivity potential of our small kindnesses shouldn’t be underestimated, and like a pebble dropped into a pond, the ripple effect can be far-reaching.

Being like pebbles in the pond is my wish for us. Our open-heartedness and friendliness can brighten spirits, soothe irritations and wounds felt by many today, and we enrich ourselves with the gift of self-appreciation.

Slipstream

Thanks for telling your story. I've had much the same experience as you when I get out of my own head and open my eyes to others who are around me. I recently had a long chat with a guy in the parking lot who told me that since his wife passed away, he didn't do much other than watch car races on YouTube and have conversations with people who were watching the same racing videos—those were his "friends." At the end of our chat, he thanked me and told me I made his day, maybe even his week. I got tears in my eyes. He showed me how easy it is to lift someone's spirits, whether you know them or not.

Sanatana

What a beautiful story. I believe all of us can do more to express our kindness to strangers. We really have no idea about the good it can do.
Thank you!

Evangel

We hear so many stories of scammers hanging around in store parking lots, so it was refreshing to read your story. When we start to avoid others because it feels safer, our sense of community withers.

And, beyond strangers, there will be times when others do reject us. That used to be awkward and hurtful for me, but through wisdom I’ve learned god had my back there and knew more about those people and the trouble they might bring than I did.