The Ripple Effect of Kindness: How a Wave Can Change a Day
Sitting on the beach with my grandson this week, I noticed his sweet habit of waving his little hand and saying, “Hello!” to strangers strolling by. Every time, the person would turn, smile, and wave back.
A simple greeting—even to a stranger—is a small gesture. Yet it makes faces light up.
Melissa McCarthy once said:
“I love to throw a loud, aggressive compliment. I yell things at people a bunch, like “You’re doing great!” or “You look terrific!” I’ll roll down the window in my car and yell, “I’m in love with that scarf!”
…and then I bet that person, within the hour, is going to say something nice to another person, and then it’s going to keep ping-ponging. We need more of that ripple effect.”
My grandson might not understand the fullness of those ripple effects yet, but he’s living them.
His wave is like a compliment passed across a thin space—sparking a small joy that keeps traveling on.
Kindness doesn’t have to be complicated. Sometimes it’s just a wave.
When’s the last time a small kindness made your day? Share your thoughts in the comments.
I took my cousin to a medical appt 2 hrs away. She was in the wheelchair w/ me pushing her. Upon arrival at the medical office, we asked for a washroom on the main floor. The security guard said no & directed us to the elevators at the rear of the building to access the office on the 4th floor. Soon, she came our of her kiosk & said come w/ me & lead us to a washroom in the back hallway. My faith in humanity was restored.
Such a beautiful story, Mona! People often don’t realize how a small act of kindness like leading you to a better washroom can make such a huge difference. Thank you for sharing this with us here. (And for being a great cousin too!)
Sometimes, Lisa, all it takes is a wave and a smile to absolutely brighten someone’s day for the better. May we all show the simple kindness to others that your grandson did. Blessings!
Love this! I love to meet new people on our walks (and Mike loves their dogs)! We wave at new (and old) neighbors just to say hello. Do you remember when, generally, Americans said hello to strangers, such as your adorable grandson does? Now they mostly look at their feet and keep going. One of my favorite things to do is to break the ice in elevators. Everyone either stares at their feet (*not* very interesting!) or straight ahead, feeling awkward (I suppose because they are with strangers in confined spaces). I talk to them, nonetheless, and if I’m near the “buttons,” I ask their floor and push away. Sheridan, however, was not thrilled when I would sing to her in elevators, from which she could not escape. She has had to learn to put up w/ me over the years! Oh, and I love joining in the birthday song whenever it is sung in a restaurant. Why not?!
Keep waving and rippling, Lisa and grandson! You’re doing a great job! You might try singing a greeting as well.
xo
Lynn
At Friday morning Bible study yesterday we congratulated a young mom with three children under three years old (Twins are involved!), because she made it on time–no small feat! C. rewarded us with a big smile and thank you. Like Melissa McCarthy demonstrates: telling someone they’re doing a great job means a LOT.
I love when the littles in our lives teach us BIG truths. 🙂
I have noticed this with students when I am subbing. Kids are hungry for positive words.
Aw, Lisa, I love that your grandson waves and says hello. He probably brightened so many of their days. So sweet.
I read this quote in a store the other day and thought of you, ” Make ripples until you can make waves.” was printed on a beautiful photo of ocean waves. Ripple has been such a creative powerful word for you. I have enjoyed all the lessons you have shared with us!
Awwwe, so sweet. Lessons from the littles. I love this.
Thanks so much for sharing with Sweet Tea & Friends this month.