Gratitude Challenge #2

By Terrie James/Hempstead Cooperative Extension Service, 11/8/21 4:54 PM

editor’s note…Terrie James will be writing a series of articles about gratitude…this is #2 in the series….

Greetings with your Extension Education Update. Week 2 of the Gratitude Challenge continues.

In your in-person transactions with cashiers, baristas and others, take the time to look them in the eye and really thank them.

A few years ago, an author and speaker living in New York City set out on a quest to thank everyone behind one thing in his life that he couldn’t function without: his daily coffee. He thanked the farmers, the person who designed the disposable cup, the truckers who transported the beans, and many, many others.

He started the quest when he noticed how rudely the coffee shop employee was treated by customers including children. The Barista told him the hardest part was when people didn’t treat her like a human being, but a vending machine. Many customers would hand her their credit card without even looking up for their phone.

The speaker realized that he was often one of those people. At that moment, he pledged to take those two seconds and look at them, make eye contact … That little moment of connection is so important to both people’s humanity and happiness.”

The next time you get ready to make eye contact with a barista or cashier and thank them, consider also doing one or more of the following: remove your headphones or earbuds, smile, offer a sincere compliment. So, for this week we want to especially thank our Veterans for their Service.

Have a great week and remember to be grateful to all those that provide a service to you and your family. This is Terrie James with Hempstead County Cooperative Extension Service.