Hi Beautiful!
If you’ve met me in person I have greeted you with “Hi Beautiful.” I honor the unique beauty of each person. It is an affirmation that I truly believe that all of us are beautiful, it is part of our name.
When I visit a retail store or restaurant I am intentional in calling the person by their name and most of them seem surprised. I introduce myself to them. When they ask me how I am doing, I respond and sincerely ask how is their day going, then I listen. Many times they thank me for asking and for calling them by their name. Recently, one of the saddest comments a restaurant staff member said to me was, ” I am sorry for the longer wait time. You have been so patient and thanks for not cursing at me.” I said, ” Why would I curse at you?” He said, ” Ma’am I get cursed at all the time by customers if it takes too long for them to receive their food. I don’t like it but I can’t say anything cause I need my job.”
Throughout the day, people go unnoticed. We can be invisible to others. Think about a time when someone actually stopped to be polite or noticed you. Now, think about a time when someone was rude and dismissive. Those tow distincts feelings are different but both have the same power to evoke strong feelings.
Hey Beautiful, let’s change our corner of the world to make it more kind. Take the time to actually see people and honor their humanity. This is why Strong and Beautiful and you are important to me. Too many times we are overlooked, taken for granted or left feeling isolated.
Let’s stop and see the beauty and humanity of all of us. Take that extra time to greet each other by name, slow down. We have enough harshness, cruelty and dismissiveness in the world; let’s counter it with the beauty of politeness. Each one of us has the capacity to be present in the spaces that we occupy. We can cultivate visibility by our actions.
Imagine a world where we greeted and listened to each other with respect. I am committed to it and I hope that you are mindful of it too.
Hey Beautiful I see you.
~KDP