Are You a Candy Cane Kid or a Sour Patch Kid?

Are You a Candy Cane Kid or a Sour Patch Kid?

December 17, 2012

When you treat others with kindness, courtesy and respect, you will increase their desire to be cooperative and helpful in return. Furthermore, you will be teaching them how to treat you and others. When you search for the best in every person you will discover ways that you can be of mutual benefit to each other.

I believe that these concepts are crucial to this time of year. Nothing screams frustration and short tempers like the days leading up to a holiday. As the stores are crowded and checkout lines grow long, we may not recognize the myriad of opportunities we have to positively impact the people around us in our immediate environment. I’m sure you have all been there. You’re waiting patiently (or trying to) in line to check out of that crazy busy store that has the one thing you need for your Christmas shopping, when all you hear in front of you or behind you is moaning and groaning. It is so easy to be drawn into this negative reaction. However, the next thing you know one customer starts being rude to another or the sales clerk and everyone is in bad mood. After than your whole shopping day ruined and you come home exhausted.

Today I talked to an elderly lady who had just finished her trip through the post office line ride. Make no mistake, when I say elderly I mean really elderly. She had stood with her item on her walker for such a time that she was ready for a nap. She was so thrilled that the clerk helping her was kind enough to find a box, tape it up and address it for her, she just could not stop smiling and talking about it. It was a simple kindness that completely made her day.

Today I also saw a lady throw a fit after standing in line in the grocery store for less than five minutes. All I thought to myself was that she must have a very unhappy life as she took it out on the clerk and everyone else within earshot. However, perhaps all she needed was some help, a lending hand and had nowhere to turn.

As I’m sure you all know, no one can do it all, no one knows it all and we all need each other’s help. There is so much to be gained from the knowledge, experience and unique perspectives that others can bring to your world. Discover the unique talents of everyone you meet and respect each person for what they have to offer. Never take the benefit or value of the other person for granted. So my challenge to you is to bring out the best in everyone you meet today, even if it is a stranger.

Candy Cane Challenge

Search for the best in every person and discover ways you can be of mutual benefit to each other. 

Be Respectful ~ How courteous and friendly were you with the last person you contacted?

Be Perceptive ~ How will you treat the next person you come in contact with?

Be Empathetic ~ How frequently do you express a genuine respect for the other people you work with?