Pass The Good Vibes

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I was on a jog, doing my own thing, lost in my own head.

Other joggers were coming from the other direction, doing their own thing, lost in their own heads.

Until one jogger coming toward me went out of his way to make eye contact and smile.

A big warm smile and nod.

And it lit me up a bit, gave me a little bump of joy and connection.

About a minute later the next jogger came running my way, looking down, stern face, presumably lost in thought.

I decided I was going to pass on the good vibes, so I went out of my way to make eye contact and, when I had it, passed him a big warm smile and nod.

I saw him light up, just as I had. His stern face gave way to a big grin and head nod.

Both moments were so simple and fleeting, yet profound and lasting.

The insight was that, as we go about our day, EVERY interaction provides an opportunity: you can have a neutral impact on someone’s day (keep your head down), a negative impact (scowl, judge, yell), or a positive impact (smile, nod, encourage).

Whichever way you choose to show up, you can be sure of one thing: there will be a domino effect.

Kindness begets kindness. Hate begets hate. Judgment begets judgment.

Today, perhaps you might do for others as the anonymous jogger did for me and…pass the good vibes.

By Ryan Paugh

Hi there!

With decades spent exploring the outer world and the inner world, I share some of the insights I have learned along the way.

Topics include mindfulness, spirituality, growth, perspective, and career.

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