Spread a little sunshine!

Attitude is a little thing that makes a big difference.

~Winston Churchill

You never know when someone is watching. You never know what affects those around you. Your actions could make or break someone's day. Are those things we consider as we go along each day? Do we stop and think about our impact on those around us?

I am the type of person who wants everyone to be happy with me. So, when someone exhibits displeasure with me, I take it personally and work hard to rectify the situation. One example is when getting honked at. It really ticks me off when people honk at me- especially when there is no reason for it. I was at a car garage, waiting for the machine to print off my parking stub/ticket, and the car behind me honks! I tried to hurry and get out of everyone's way, but was rather perturbed by my lack of control and his impatience. That experience put a bit of irritation in my otherwise pleasant day.

Working in a restaurant gives me all sorts of attitudes and people to deal with. There have been numerous occasions when I would put on a smile in reply to rudeness. The times I enjoy work the most are when the customer is polite and thankful. I am helping them, but they don't act as if they are entitled to it. I love it when some of the customers just say thank you and appreciate the work that is done for their dinner. I've had several people call me "ma'am". Those that are polite cause happiness to my day.

The unpleasant flip side to polite customers is the rude customers. I've had so many different people complain about prices, complain about not getting service quick enough, and try to sweet talk their way out of paying for extras. I'm sorry, but a lot of the stuff people complain about is the things I cannot change. Prices are made by corporate, not even my boss. I'm sorry about your 'bad' service, but I'm not the one who gave you that service. And I don't try to cheat my company when you add extras to your meal. I will make you pay for it. If you don't like the price, then don't add extras. It's very simple- at least for me.

When these people act this way, it really affects my day. I don't try to take it personally, but rudeness is always hard to swallow. I know it's not always stemmed from my workplace. It comes from their workplace. I always try to be polite to them so they can have a bright spot in their day. I know I always remember a smiling face when at the store or a resaurant.

Think about when you are going through your day. When do you get upset with those around you? Place yourself in their shoes and think how you would feel. Then purpose to be cheerful. It takes effort sometimes, but is well worth it. You never know how your politeness could boost up those around you.