Can We Just Be Nice?
NOTES FROM CINDY BROWN
I got back from vacation last week and something happened that I can't stop thinking about. We rented beach chairs and an umbrella every day. The service was incredible. Seriously.
Cold water magically appeared. Fresh towels showed up before we even realized we needed them. Everyone smiled. Everyone went above and beyond.
On our last day, we walked down to the beach and the young guy helping us looked like he'd just been told he had to tell his parents he crashed the car. He checked the list. Checked it again. Looked at us.
Then took a deep breath.
"Mam… I'm so sorry. Somehow your reservation isn't on today's list. It's our mistake. We don't have any front row chairs left, but I can put you in the second row." And then, He braced for impact. You know the look.
The one that says, "Here it comes. I'm about to get yelled at."
We looked at each other and said, "No problem at all." The relief on his face. Oh my goodness. You would've thought we'd just told him he won the lottery.
Here's the funny part. Within about 30 seconds someone canceled. And we ended up in the front row anyway. Apparently, the beach chair gods were on our side.
As another young guy walked us to our chairs, I asked him, "Are people usually kind to you guys?" He didn't even hesitate. "Mam, people yell at us a lot."
That one hit me. These kids are out there in 96-degree heat.
Dragging chairs. Setting up umbrellas. Bringing cold water.
Handing out fresh towels. Working their tails off.
And people are screaming because they didn't get the front row.
Really?
That first young guy was already expecting to be treated badly. He had learned to brace himself before delivering disappointing news. And isn't that how so many beliefs begin? Moment after moment. Experience after experience. Until eventually your brain decides,
"This is just how people are."
"When people have money, they're entitled."
"Success means you treat people like shit.”
That, is exactly how limiting beliefs are formed. Not in one giant moment. (Sometimes it’s that way.)
But lots of times it’s in hundreds of tiny ones.
