Minus 10 Blank Walk-bys.

I’ve become quite automatic in regards to my day. I wake up, shower, dress, head out the door at the same time every morning. I get to work, grab my morning dose of caffeine and settle in for the day. I answer the phone the same way every time it rings. People come in, drop off papers, I take them; stamp the received date on the top. I go home on the same roads I’ve driven that morning.

I claim I don’t “see anyone.” Ever. Today, no less than five people have stopped in and I couldn’t tell you what they were wearing or how they wore their hair. I stopped at a drive-through for lunch. I remember handing over money, but I couldn’t tell you what the person looked like that took my money. More than likely they were wearing a name tag. I didn’t bother to look at it.

We’re always in such a rush. Get in the store. Get out of the store. Pick up the bread. Drop off the water bill. I’m not exactly sure I even know what I’m rushing for. To get done fast. To cross things off my list. To have more time. I’m with a thousand other people rushing around me, only I never take the time to see them.

This week’s challenge is to reduce those blank if-I-stare-straight-ahead-then-I-don't-see-you-and-I-can-continue-on-my-way walk-by's we're so used to. Instead of rushing past, it is your goal this week to see if you can purposefully make eye contact, smile, and say hello to TEN complete strangers. Instead of holding the door and silently whisking by seconds later, hold the door and say, “Good Afternoon” or “Don’t worry, I’ve got that for you,” while you smile and look them in the eye.

Does it change how you see the people rushing by? Do you think it changes their attitude? Does it change yours? How many positive responses did you get? And were there any negative? How did you feel when you walked away? Did you walk any slower?