I had two interactions today that reminded me how important it is to be the 
sunshine with the people you interact with. You never know where a person is in his/her life, and a little act of kindness can be like a gift.
I stopped by a convenience store on the way to the health department for a septic system report. There is a young lady there that I think is one of the nicest people I've ever met. A few months ago I told her how impressed I had been by her and she thanked me and today she beams whenever I show up. Shortly after that exchange a new employee joined the staff.
She had a very flat affect. Some may interpret it as unfriendly, but I wasn't buying it. After she had been there for a few weeks, I struck up a conversation with her starting with a compliment. She looked up at me, smiled and thanked me. She talks to me every time I drop by now. I'm always greeted with a smile and a cheerful comment. She has the most beautiful smile. It's nice to see it often.
I left that store on the way to the health department. I called them on the way, and they were a little rude and not terribly helpful. When I got there, I greeted the staff and made my request. I joked with the staff member who was working on my file and she disappeared into the file room. Upon her return, she was smiling and came out to the waiting room and said, "Let's sit down here together and go over this file."
We sat together and went over the file for about 20 minutes, joking along the way. Her co-worker joined in the conversation and before it was over we were all joking and sharing stories. Their approach to me was reflected in my approach to them. I wanted to see if I could bring a little positive sunshine to their day and it seems that I did. They ended up helpful, friendly and easy to work with. Take a minute and share a little sunshine. Somebody needs it.
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