Have you ever noticed that when people ask you how you are doing, they are always expecting to hear “fine thanks” in return? And heaven forbid you say that you’re not doing very well because that would mean they might have to take an extra two seconds from their day to make sure you’re alright. I know this, and I can say this, because I’ve been that person. I asked out of courtesy, not because I actually cared. What really bothered me, was that I didn’t even realize that I didn’t care until someone told me they were having a terrible day. It was at that moment that I realized, I didn’t know anything about them so there was nothing I could say besides “oh I’m sorry”. How lame.
So that got me to thinking, what would happen if every time we asked someone how their day was, we actually cared about the answer. How many times have people asked me how my day was without truly caring? It’s crazy how self absorbed we all have become without even realizing it. We think we’re nice people because we smile and say hello to everyone. But really, what does that equate to when there is no sincerity behind it?
So what’s the answer? How do we change this? Every day we are challenged to live better truer lives than the day before, but are we really doing that? Or are we just going through the motions. If perception is reality then I would argue that we are all simply getting through each day and lying to ourselves when we say we did everything we could to make it a great day. I mean after all, it would be absolutely exhausting, and after all we already have soooo many other things going on. Again, lame.
So today, I challenge you and I’m challenging myself to do all that we can to care about others. It sounds simple enough. What will prove to be difficult is not getting preoccupied in petty things, or emails, or text messages, and become too busy to care about every answer you receive when you ask the simple question, how are you doing today?
I totally understand what you're getting at.. everyone where I work asks me how I am while passing me in the hallway and I say, "fine, you?" and by that time they have walked away...barely responding back. Some people are just on a mission and in their own little world sometimes, but people really do just seem to go through the motions every day, same old, same old. I do truly care when I ask how someone is doing, and I know others do too out there, people must realize it's not just like a wave, theres emotion and thought behind it! hope this makes sense! (it's my 1st time commenting on a blog!)
ReplyDeleteThank you for commenting! I comepletely understand what you're saying about people asking and practically sprinting away before you can answer. I don't know that i'll ever make a huge difference in the world, but people who ask and truly care like you, are who inspire me to try a little harder every day!
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