I had a chance to get away to the beach for a few days over the Christmas and New Year’s break. It was wonderful. The gulf shores of the panhandle of Florida are a special place.
I was sitting by myself reading on the beach, while two brothers were doing somersaults in the sand in the area next to me. They were just far enough away to not disturb me yet they caught my eye.
The boy noticed me, watching him do somersaults, and he came over and said “hey neighbor, watch this!” He then very excitedly did a few more somersaults. His Grandmother was watching close by with a proud smile on her face. I looked up to her and said, did you hear what he said? Again, she, while smiling proudly, said, “yes I did.” The boy had to be five or six years old. I told her I never heard a youngster of that age use language like that. “Hey Neighbor!” I thought it was so friendly and welcoming.
His Grandmother explained that they were taught to use that while speaking to someone when they don’t know their name. What a wonderful sentiment. What a wonderful, parenting technique. To have that skill at that age is great. I complimented not only his grandmother but also the young man. I went to see his parents afterward and told them how impressed I was to hear a five-year-old speak like that and congratulated them on coaching their kids to engage in that manner.
Let’s continue to show kindness and welcoming behaviors to our neighbors. Too many times today there are snarls, dirty looks, and abrasiveness between strangers, versus a gentle, welcoming greeting like a neighbor.
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Tales from the Hardwood is doing exceptionally well in both the book version and the audible version. I would love to bring this Keynote/Workshop to you and your organization. I have presented this to school districts, athletic director groups, as well as law-enforcement groups.
You can purchase Tales from the Hardwood at andrewmarotta.com (https://andrewmarotta.com/) or on amazon (https://www.amazon.com/Tales-Hardwood-Surviving-Thriving-Experiences/dp/0999005529) .
Please reach out if you’re interested and we can connect.
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#LeadershipSparks: Snow Day
Quote: “The amount of good luck coming your way depends on your willingness to act.” – Barbara Sher
