Tuesday, November 5, 2013

Things I Learned from My Mom - Part I - Have an Optimistic Outlook on People

My mom passed away about 1 year ago.  I learned a lot from her.  Now it is one year out, and I have had time to reflect on the things that I learned from her.  I am going to break the things down into small posts.

Today's post is on how to deal with people you don't know.

Mom had an optimistic outlook on people.  She would talk to just about any person she met.  She gave people the benefit of the doubt.  She also never saw herself as better than others, from the person who delivered the newspaper to the person putting groceries in bags at the market or unpacking them to put them on the shelves.

She got to know all the people that were in the paths of her life.  She would take the time to talk to them and get to know them.  She had an innate trust in the "goodness" of people.  These people recognized her when they saw her and remembered her.  She had an impact on them.

My mom was from a small town, West, Texas (link, link).  There you got to know everybody - it was the norm.


What did I learn from this?

An optimistic outlook on people is a good way to go.  Even if some people are out to do us wrong, it is better to start the day with trust and optimism, it will take you a long way.

Also, there is something to be learned from everyone.  It doesn't matter what stage of their life they are in, or what their profession or economic status is.  You can learn from them.

Lastly, it can be really enjoyable to strike up conversations with people you don't know.  You might find something in common with them.  You never know until you try.

1 comment:

Jumpg8 said...

I have great memories of your mom. She was a great woman and raised you boys into fine men. I am sorry for your loss. You are in my thoughts old friend. Mike Kotila