Slow down and SEE the people you come in contact with each day. I don’t have to tell you we live in a busy world – you already know it’s true, especially during this time of year. We are so busy running from one place to the next picking up groceries, holiday decorations, and Christmas gifts,  that we end up rushing through every moment of every day hardly noticing the people right there in front of us.

I’ve come to notice people are so used to co-existing in the same space without real interaction and personal connection, that it actually surprises them when someone stops to take a few moments to genuinely acknowledge their existence. We are merely co-existing. It happens so much, we don’t even notice anymore.  This mere co-existence has become our new normal. Don’t believe me?

On your next trip to the store stop and observe everyone in line at the checkout counter. How many people actually look at the person they are exchanging a transaction with and engage with them in conversation or at least acknowledgement? Not many. We stand in line talking on our phones or texting, digging through our purses, staring at the computer screen to make sure everything scans okay, or staring at the credit card machine waiting for the moment when we can swipe our card and sign our name. All this just to grab our bags and rush out the door to our busy lives.

Instead, choose to make intentional eye contact with the person ringing up your items.  Not in a lingering, don’t want to blink kind of way though – no need to be creepy;-)

Instead, make eye contact as you speak to the person. Acknowledge them. Talk to them. Ask how their day is going. Thank them.

In making an effort to make intentional eye contact with the person behind the register as they hand me the receipt, I’ve noticed something. As I thank them and acknowledge their presence with eye contact and a smile, it never fails that the person always acts a bit surprised to have a true personal interaction. Although it’s only a slight alteration for us motion-wise, emotionally it makes a huge difference. The small things really aren’t small things, they are big things in the grand scheme of life. People need to be acknowledged, appreciated, and cared for. It’s important for each one of us to do our part, not because we have to, but because we want to.

Look someone in the eyes and smile at them today. It will likely change their day AND yours!