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But Have You Said It? How often do we think complimentary things about people who are making a difference in our lives but let the opportunity to say something pass us by? A while back we were dining out at a restaurant that was very busy. Our waitress was taking care of twice as many tables as one person should have to handle. I know this because I used to wait tables in college, so I'm extremely appreciative of caring service. I was impressed by how well she handled herself, and also saddened by how weary she looked. We enjoy tipping very well, and I wanted to do something extra special for her ...but I didn't know what. Then out of the corner of my eye, I saw my purple I Make A Difference wristband, so I took it off my wrist. As she was picking up our payment, I reached out and touched her arm and said, "I've been watching you, and you are amazing. We come here often and every time we are taken care of by you, our service is so wonderful. The care you give us means so very much to us I just wanted to let you know that you really do make a difference, and I hope you will accept this gift from me." As she accepted the wristband from me her response was one of shock and amazement, and then she said what I've heard so many people say: "No one has ever told me that before ... thank you so much!" I asked her if I could give her a hug, and she grabbed me and hung on for a few moments. Tears burnt both of our eyes. An Unexpected High It still blows me away that something so simple could feel so incredibly good. That was the day I felt the commitment and decided to carry a bunch of wristbands in my purse and car ... and make a conscious decision to give at least one I Make A Difference wristband out every time I was out and about "doing life." I've been giving them out consistently since, and each experience is different, yet profoundly fulfilling. When our graphic designer gave this wristband to her 4 year old granddaughter the little girl looked up at her and said: "You mean 'I' make a difference?" Goose bumps! Acknowledgment says: You matter to me and I believe in you. It is a powerful and profoundly easy way to heal our society. It begins with our children, our families and then extends out to the people living and working with us in our community. Acknowledgment is easy to do, and to make a difference we must embrace opportunities life offers us to do so.
Stay tuned for more stories... and speaking of stories, send us yours! Reaching out... |
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