I’m guilty of getting caught up in my own life and problems and not recognizing the struggles of those around me. It’s not that I have forgotten that other people have difficulties — I’m very much aware that we all have problems, but I sometimes forget to take that into account in my day to day interactions with people. I think that we’re probably all guilty of this, at some point.
It’s not that I think we should go around asking every single person what their personal problems are and trying to fix them. This action seems like a recipe for failure, and most people wouldn’t appreciate the intrusion. However, when we interact and speak to others, we should all try to treat everyone with the same respect which we would like to be treated with, ourselves.
As we go about our own days, worrying about work, family, bills, chores, and that endless to-do list that nags everyone in the back of their heads, it can be easy to dismiss those around us. Especially if they perform some sort of duty or service that we might take for granted. These are the folks that work “behind the scenes” to make things easier for everyone.
For instance, when you place your trash at your curb on trash day, it doesn’t just disappear. Of course, you know this if you stop to think about it, but how often do you actually do that? Like most of us, probably not that often. You might not think about it at all unless it stops happening.
But, the seemingly simple act of taking your trash cans to the curb and having your trash picked up takes the coordination of many people to make it all happen. There are drivers, mechanics, staff, and management that keep the process moving forward. Without every single one of these vital employees, our world would be a much dirtier, stinkier place.
So, now that you know they’re out there and you have remembered that trash pick-up isn’t magic, what are you supposed to do? You don’t have to do anything, but just a smile or a wave can let people know that you recognize their hard work. Or, like this kind, thoughtful grandma, bringing them a cold drink on a hot day is a wonderful gesture. She’s going viral, and it’s well-deserved!
Watch her in the video below and please like and share the clip to encourage everyone to treat others with kindness and respect!
