December 11, 2015

“I love people who make me laugh. I honestly think it's the thing I like most, to laugh. It cures a multitude of ills. It's probably the most important thing in a person.” 
― Audrey Hepburn

I missed writing on my blog for the last few days, but this has been a very busy week for me.

Yesterday, I was in my favorite store. I want say the name because I don’t want people thinking negative of them. A mistake was made and I return to the store to correct it.
I stood to the side in the customer service area, waiting for the manager to take care of my situation. I did as I usually do and that is people watch. I observed that everyone in line had a frown on their face or looked the way I do in a doctor’s office. None of them seemed happy even a little bit. One lady in particular, looked downright mean and I just knew she was going to give the customer service representative a real serious piece of her mind.

However, I observed something else as well. As each person when to speak to a service rep, their faces were transformed. All it took, was a smile from the rep. Each suddenly became warm and friendly. Some even laughed with the rep. The smile made them better looking, both the men and women, young and old alike. And the woman with the peeved look and attitude, suddenly became pretty.

I believe the transformations had to do with the customer service reps. They smiled, were friendly, and were very respectful of the customers. The customer service rep’s smile disarmed the customer and made the situation easier to handle and each customer left with a smile on their face. I am sure they had a much better day.

THINK CHANGE
"What seems only a ripple today. . .can become the wave of the future."

I checked myself, and yes, there was an uplift to my lips, which meant there was a smile on my face. It reminded me of a time when I was like those customers. My face, if I am not smiling, looks like I am angry, mad at the world, and sometimes, my look seemed to say, “If you say the wrong thing to me, I’m going to be all over you.”

I didn’t know this was how people saw me. I didn’t have many friends. I thought it was because I was extremely shy, quiet, and didn’t know how to start a conversation with anyone. When I was in training to become a long distant operator, we were told to always put a smile on our face before answering the call, because our customers could tell if we smiling and the call would go better. I could do that for the customer, but not in public where I could be seen.

After working there for a while, the other operators slowly began to speak with me and then to laugh and joke with me. When they felt comfortable enough to share some of their personal thoughts with me, more than one said in different ways, they were surprised I was so friendly because they didn’t think so when I first started to work there. That is when I found out about my looks and my attitude affected the way people perceived me.

When I left the phone company, I decided I would change. I would say hello to everyone with a smile. It has made such a difference in my life just doing that one small thing. I don’t have to know how to start a conversation. I discovered that a little smile as I said hello is all the other person needs to start a conversation with me. It may not seem like much to you, but it has made a big difference for me, in me, and I hope the people around me.

Now, this wasn’t easy for me to do. To smile at strangers. I’m sure in the beginning I probably looked a little silly as I tried to do what I was not used to doing. As time went by, it became easier and eventually, just a natural thing to do. Once in a while, I revert back to my unfriendly self and as soon as I realize I’m not smiling, I put the smile back on my face.

If I am in a bad mood or have some problem on my mind, a smile takes it away and I am a better person. I can think better to solve my problem and it changes my mood.

I know this is a little long. I woke up with this on my mine and felt compelled to write and post this message. Why else would I be writing at 4 in the morning? I hope this article helps you, even if it is only person, this article will have done what it was supposed to do. 

Feel free to send your comments to: lwrepark@gmail.com and let me know if it is ok to post your comments with your name, first name only, or just initials.


Until next time, have a great day. lw