Some of What We Do is Obvious

Sitting at my usual table, at my usual coffee house, at the usual time, I'm not sure I "read" my newspaper, per se. I glance at an article, absorb a few lines, and then give myself the luxury of letting my mind drift. From this process come ideas for speeches or columns. It's also one way I get ready for my day.

From my vantage point, I observe the line of people waiting to purchase pastries, bagels, and of course, their Morning Joe. I am intrigued by the tide of patrons; why are they here? What brought each of them? What do they do?

One can immediately tell the vocation of some by their apparel. Health care professionals are adorned in "scrubs." Although of various colors, or decorated with animals, at a glance one can deduce, "She works at a doctor's office."

Of course, public safety employees; fire, law enforcement, ambulance; are easy to ascertain, as is a well-groomed individual in a grey, pin striped suit: "Business Person."

Some of what we do is obvious.

So it was apparent that the thin man in the big-pocketed white jeans with the t-shirt spotted with colors was a painter. Although not a purchased-from-the-rack uniform, his attire - as clearly as a stethoscope declares, "doctor" or dress whites labels a sailor - broadcast his profession.

Some of what we do is obvious.

"I like your column," he said. "I read it all the time."

Setting down my newspaper, I replied, "Thank you." And noticing his size, added, "You don't look like you need to lose weight - or you've been very successful."

He laughed, "No, I don't need to. But I find it inspirational."

I guess it goes without saying that he was friendly (and had good taste, obviously). Our banter meandered politely through the fields of family and weight loss, culminating when he joked about now being embarrassed because he was buying a donut. Waving and smiling as the glass door swung into place behind him, he left the bakery and was absorbed in the faceless river of people racing to work. My attitude, a tad dour when I entered the business, had brightened. I found myself smiling.

Some of what we do is obvious. Some - not so much.

Sometimes, a trivial act, a kind simple gesture can - even without conscious realization - uplift another. A stranger's comments such as the painter to me; or holding open a door for a stranger; complimenting a co-worker, "Nice blouse;" any of these can change the face of another's day. We don't know it will, because it's "just something we do." But it surely does.

So too does taking care of oneself. Too often, we mistakenly believe we're making it difficult for those around us as we become conscious of our choices and alter our patterns. But, reality is they look at us as an inspiration, satisfied that someone they love is taking better care of herself. They feel proud, sharing our joy.

We might not see that, certainly not at first. But watching over our health also uplifts our family and friends. Like the ripple caused by a stone thrown into a lake it reaches shores we might not see.

The painter inspired me. Hopefully, I have passed forward. Give it to someone else.

He probably thought he was just being friendly, but it didn't make it any less valuable.

Some of what we do is obvious. Some - not so much. Do it anyway.