Slap 'Em With Kindness

Picture the scene: WOMAN talking on her phone barks order at a coffee shop worker. In between each customized order, she barks orders at her phone. There's a lot of "no"s involved. Uncertain, the coffee shop worker stops and erases the transaction. They start all over again and we find out the person on the other end of the phone is her husband. I let out a loud "ha" and continue to sip my drink.

Somewhere in the last two decades, the human connection was lost. The art of appreciating one another went right down the toilet. I don't mean to say that everyone has lost  their good sense, but that things aren't the same as they used to be.

Earlier this morning, a couple from out of town were out wandering around the Lower East Side. They stood at the corner where I was waiting for a friend, with their map out, and completely lost. They kept to themselves and searched for the street signs and how it corresponded with what they held in their hands. After thirty seconds of feeling bad for them, I offered my help. I pointed to our location on their map and wished them a good day as they left. Turning to my friend, I simply said "breaking that stereotype." He laughed because we know that as New Yorkers, we're not thought of as nice people. New Yorkers are tough, but it doesn't mean that we can't be kind.

So, I've created a personal challenge. I'll do my best to be kinder. Don't get me wrong. This doesn't mean I'll a be pushover. I'm not that woman's husband. I'll simply try my best to be a gentleman and stand against the current.

An Explanation

So, if you've been following this blog at all, you may have noticed that I've been away for a while. I wish I could tell you that I was sky diving in Puerto Rico. The truth is actually a lot less adventurous. 

I recently received some hard news about my family and have been trying to deal with it. Of course, one of the side effects is that I haven't really found time to update. Another being that I've holed myself up and sort of "disconnected" from the world for a little. 

As much as things have been going on in my own world, I've learned one lesson; to continually see the good in this world. When I came to this realization, I knew that I had to start writing again, start observing, and start straining out the humor in all that was around me. It was for this very reason that I knew I could overcome and strengthen myself. I also know that being able to make myself stronger would have a direct and positive impact with those I call family and friends. Lord knows that they've been a constant for me.

Through all the crap that is dealt in this world, there is such an opportunity for happiness. This has all been a lesson that I know, but I believe this experience has made me learn it. With that thought, I close this entry and wish all my readers the very best.

Farts.

I couldn't end it on such a serious thought.