Advice to Remember
I’m a counselor for a living and my peers and I often laugh/cringe/hold our breath when a client returns to a session and states….
“I’ve been thinking about what you said in our last session.”
“I remember what you suggested.”
or my favorite (which has happened several times)
“You were right there on my shoulder reminding me.”
By training, I am a counselor. I am not an advice giver but someone who helps others find the answers that they hopefully have within theirself. Never have I stated to anyone “let me give you some advice” And I truly don’t think anyone has ever presented advice to me in that manner.
Thus when I thought about today’s topic of passing along a piece of advice I’ve been given, I truly had to think. Often advice is something that is modeled or it becomes a part of daily life. There are practical pieces of advice, such as wearing sunscreen when you are outside, not climbing on a ladder when no one else is home, eating healthy.
But I don’t think this post is about the practical stuff, or at least not for me it isn’t. The advice I’m sharing has come to me in many forms from many people over the years. The fact that I see it in multiple ways makes it all the more important for me.
A portion of the advice that has always stood out to me was given to me by my Granddaddy who shared I should always be kind to the office secretary or the person answering the phone. Never treat them as if they are not important. I have known many individuals who were hiring for a postion who always asked their office manager/secretary/front desk person how a potential employee treated them. If they were not friendly or kind, often this was a mark against them and could cost them the job This also goes along with the fact of treating the housekeeping staff at your office (or your won housekeeper) with respect
As James has moved his career along in sales, I have also watched how he interacts with individuals in daily life. He never leaves a check out lane with out saying “Have a nice day or Thank you” and he uses the persons name. (Hey, it’s on the name tag). We actually had one girl look surprised that he knew her name. When she asked how he knew, he smiled and reminded her it was on her name tag. Sadly, I think many people in customer service just expect to be treated rudely.
As I began to acknowledge people, it was amazing to see how people smiled more and often they remember me when I go through their check out lane again. It’s such a small thing but so very important.
Each of us are the star in our own reality show. We each think our story is the most important. However, this shouldn’t mean that we forget there are all types of other stories going on around us. Sadly, as I’ve written before, we become so caught up in our own drama that we forget about the others.
So my advice is very close to the quote above. Don’t forget the bit players (along with the major ones) in your life. A smile and kindness will get you many places and much further in this world than walking around as if the world owes you something because you exist.
Everyone is fighting their own little (or big) battle and never underestimate the power of what a few kind words will do.
I don’t remember in which book I read this: “Every person is the protagonist in his own life story, and every one else is just a side character” (paraphrased, of course). Sylvia Plath’s novel? I don’t recall. Anyway, I loved your advice. Spread a little love every day to every one 🙂
Vivienne thank you for your comment. I do believe the quote is from Sylvia Plath. Thank you for stopping by and reading.