I saw something this past week at a local fast food restaurant that gave me a feeling of dismay. While waiting for our food, an employee walked in - apparently back from break- and was greeted (right in front of me) by an obviously angry manager. The manager made a statement that I think was supposed to be a question. She barked, "You late?" The employee said, "No, check my time."

Here is what most bothered me about this exchange. It was happening in front of me, a customer. Somehow this person's timing was more important than my order, or my comfort. I had always heard, in management classes, that it was best to praise in public - and criticize in private. I felt sorry for the employee; and unhappy with the manager.

Luckily, the next day, I had some business to take care of at one of the County offices. The people working there were not only helpful to me, but to everyone who came in the door. And, they were helpful and kind to each other. Now this is more like it!

I find it fascinating that the business that has competitors across the street would be the one where the customers were made to feel uncomfortable - and the business that has no competitors would be the one where I got great service.

I know that times are tough right now for a lot of people; and people seem to be more "on edge". But these are the times when civility and kindness are so important. It costs nothing to smile at someone. It costs nothing to take your disagreements to a more private space, rather than hash them out in public. It costs nothing to listen, even if you disagree. It costs nothing to help someone fill out a form correctly. None of these cost more than a brief moment of time, and yet the reward is tremendous.

We can be the friends, and managers, and parents, and teachers that earn respect for showing the way. We can be the ones who teach by example, and show love and compassion. The businesses who ingrain kindness and respect (as well as value and service) into their culture will be the ones who gain my patronage.

Let's make this week, this month, and this year one of kindness and respect. We may just start a trend.

Namaste!
Susan 

Following Your Beliefs

A good friend of mine had the left side of his face swell up. Somewhat like a really bad toothache, except it wasn't a toothache. My friend believes in yoga, juicing, and raw food. He didn't go to a doctor to have his condition labeled. Instead, he went to Florida, to an alternative health clinic that fits his beliefs.

After two weeks of drinking juice, doing yoga, and eating raw foods, the swelling left and he was back to normal. During this time, he heard about hyperbaric chambers and their benefits. So, he stayed longer, enjoying himself and experiencing his new discovery.

Over the years, I have seen many people come down with one condition or another. And I have watched them using many different approaches to heal these conditions. For some, it's been a doctor visit or an operation that has brought the desired result; and for others it's been a multitude of different alternative healing modalities.

I don't judge that one approach is preferable over another. I just love to see it work and people getting better. It's great when people follow their beliefs and it works for them.

Life is good.

Lots of love,

Wolfgang