Just Wanted to Say...

I talk to myself... a lot.  The words do not necessarily come out of my mouth, but shuffle one on top of the other, like numbered balls rolling around inside of the bingo wheel.  This inner dialogue keeps me from saying things I might regret.  But unfortunately,  keeping things to myself might also deprive others from hearing something that they might actually like or need to hear.

I like how she did her hair today.  Has she lost weight?  Ugh oh...He has a bean cap on his front tooth. It's right in front too.  I should say something right?? Bingo!!  Wait a minute, don't take that road home tonight, the traffic is a disaster. 

I never really thought too much of it; until yesterday. 

It was just another typical Thursday: coffee, blogging, walk the dogs, then get ready for work.  Nothing too out of the ordinary for me.  After coming off the heels of a little four day vacation from the bar, I was neither in a bad mood nor a fantastic one.  I looked in the mirror and applied some mascara and a little blush and thought: wow, I look tired today. 

And then it began: the workday.  Clocked in and ready to serve, I looked out from beyond my counter to the people straggling in. 

"You look so pretty today," said a young co-worker.  Wait, really?? I do?? It was as if the compliment was lost on me and I must have looked like I didn't understand a word she had said. So she elaborated, "Your face: it looks extra pretty today." 

I was so caught off guard, that I had to laugh at myself while thanking her.  It was nice enough for her to think it, let alone say the words out loud.  It was just a lovely start to the day.  And it didn't stop there.

About an hour later, a bar guest made a point to say, "I just wanted to say thank you for taking such great care of us. You have yourself a wonderful night."  Wait a second, I'm usually the one who says that...  I turned to my coworker and said, "Wow, that was really nice to hear."  

And on and on it continued: 'Thank you', 'Take care', 'Good Job', 'Great drink', 'See you soon', 'Enjoy the day', 'Have a good night' and so on.  It may not sound like much, but I will tell you, it was something to me.  And it got me thinking... 

When I got home last night, I read a comment from a reader a half a world away.  He didn't have to take the time to share his thoughts with me, but he did.  And I must confess, it was a dose of encouragement that I truly needed to hear.

Writing each and every day is a bit of a discipline.  But honestly, however taxing it may be, I do enjoy it.  But the truth is, it would not be nearly as enjoyable a process though, if people were not reading what I post each day. My thoughts are committed to written form so that they might be shared.  

Knowing that someone out there is getting a 'great deal of joy' from reading whatever I have written that day, truly motivates and encourages me to keep it all going.  It may not seem like much, but it was one of the best compliments of my life.  

Strangers, coworkers and loved ones alike, all made a noted difference in my life because they had something they just wanted to say... Just wanted to say great job! Just wanted to say goodnight. Just wanted to say how pretty you look today.  Just wanted to say keep writing... And with that, an ordinary Thursday afternoon, was made extraordinary! 

You may not know the profound affect your thoughts and words have on another human beings' existence.  But if you want to take my word for it, trust that they have the potential to make ALL the difference! 

Yesterday, as if reading my thoughts, a few different people said the exact words I hadn't even realized I needed to hear.  It is a pretty amazing thing, to know that you have the ability to make someone's day brighter: better. 

Today, as I prepare to venture out into the world, while pecking away at this keyboard and sipping my morning cup of coffee, I guess I just wanted to say thank you.  You may not have intended to make such a great impact on my day, on my journey, but you did.  

I hope we all realize how our words can strongly influence others.  Even the seemingly insignificant compliment, or show of thanks can truly add an extra skip in a persons' step.  So look in the mirror, and know that you are capable of changing lives for the better each and every day!  And honestly, what could be better than that?

Today:

Long Happiness

1 1/2 oz Vodka

1/2 oz Gin

Splash of Pineapple Juice

Finish with Ginger Beer

Serve on the rocks in a highball glass

photo credit: funlava.com