“Welcome home,” said the airport shuttle driver enthusiastically as he greeted me at 12:30 am to take me to my car. Although I was tired, his smile and these two words changed my attitude. I felt energized and welcomed by this stranger.
Earlier in the week I encountered other experiences that impressed me. I watched a bartender enthusiastically smile and interact with her patrons. She remembered their names and the wine selections they had ordered from the previous night.
These interactions can make our day. They say we are welcomed and someone cares. They energize and lift our spirits. Often we are too busy or focused to say good morning or good night. We are so distracted that we do not engage eye contact or smile when we pass someone.
We can eliminate stress and create a greater sense of calm by engaging in these courtesies. You do not have to be an extrovert to generate a friendlier environment. You just have to be present and aware.