Simply Say

Is it possible to extend a friendly smile and greet a stranger with a simple “hello”? This is a fantastic chance for us to connect with others and discover just how remarkable they can be.

You might recall the well-known film, The King and I, where Deborah Kerr serenades her students with the beautiful melody, “Getting to Know You”:

[youtube-video url=”https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vlx6gQWfjp0″ /]

In this song, she conveys the joy found in mutual learning and reveals how much she cherishes her interactions with her young charges.

One afternoon, I observed my granddaughter, Leia. A small gathering of adults was engaged in conversation when she approached them. Gently touching her heart, she introduced herself, saying, “I’m Leia.” I was moved by her sweet gesture to greet them, yet sadly, they overlooked her introduction.

Children inherently grasp the significance of a name. When I shared a photo of two new horses with Leia, her immediate inquiry was, “What are their names?” Names truly matter—even for animals. Knowing someone’s name is often the initial step towards understanding them as individuals.

With this in mind, I decided to start saying “hello” and embracing the experience. One day, I found myself in a crowded elevator alongside a mother and daughter. The daughter bore a resemblance to Leia, prompting me to say, “Hello, I’m… What’s your name?” She replied, with her mother echoing it for me. I continued, “It’s a pleasure to meet you,” which lit up her face with a radiant smile! As I exited at my floor, I wished them a wonderful rest of the day. Interactions with younger people have taught me the value of acknowledging them.

Too often, we form judgments based on age or appearance, potentially missing out on fulfilling connections. Every individual has intrinsic value, and the journey of getting to know someone can be incredibly enriching.

During another instance, while flying, I encountered a flight attendant who appeared rather stern. I thought it best to remain courteous and comply with her instructions. Later, after visiting the restroom, I spotted her reading nearby and decided to approach her. I greeted her, shared my name, and mentioned how pleased I was that she could take some time to enjoy her book amidst the demands of her job. She opened up, shared her name, and encouraged me to continue our conversation, revealing herself to be a genuinely lovely person.

Can a simple “hello” truly impact lives? Absolutely! The key is in how we deliver that greeting. The way we communicate often reflects our character and respect for others. On the flight, acknowledging the flight attendant and mentioning my observations created a mutual connection.

On yet another journey, I was seated next to an older gentleman from Texas. After exchanging names, we engaged in conversation and, through our discussion, I learned something that deeply resonated with me: he had a daughter with a rare genetic disorder. By age three, she could only articulate “mom,” and as she matured, that word remained her sole expression. Medical professionals told him that her brain would not develop beyond a three-year-old’s level. He and his wife continued to care for her, finding happiness in small activities like using an iPad or enjoying time at a putting green.

He also had a younger daughter who had developed typically. He recounted an enlightening incident at a grocery store where she noticed that the customers seemed puzzled by her older sister’s uniqueness. Sensing the unease, she approached each customer, introduced herself, and explained her sister’s situation. This sharing transformed the atmosphere, as the customers’ tension eased and they began to relax. The younger daughter bravely helped bridge the gap of understanding, fostering a sense of connection.

Understanding another person’s situation can truly transform everything. When we acknowledge individuals, we establish common ground. A simple “hello” paired with sharing our names opens doors for connection. This practice has enriched my life and deepened my comprehension of others.

You might wonder, “Why bother with this?” It’s important to be as kind as we can to those around us. Making the effort to connect with someone can communicate that we care. Allowing time for these interactions may reveal that someone is facing challenges, and we might be in a position to lend a hand. When we contribute in such ways, it can enhance our own self-esteem.

Nowadays, there’s a significant focus on negativity and division. We are bombarded with misleading narratives about different groups of people—unfairly propagated conflicts from all sides.

It’s undeniably challenging to truly know someone during a Zoom meeting. Furthermore, constant engagement with our phones can hinder our ability to connect with individuals on a deeper level. Can we strive to foster genuine connections with one another instead of primarily interacting through our devices?

As we approach the year 2025, let’s commit to learning as much as possible about those around us. We must maintain respect for each other’s circumstances, particularly when time is limited, allowing light-hearted interactions as we discover the beauty within each person. There is so much we can uncover about one another—simply through the act of saying “hello.”