[To watch a video of this blog post please click here: https://youtu.be/LDwArRqPyhE and to listen to an audio version, please click here: https://www.buzzsprout.com/1396123/8808692]

People matter most. I mentally assent to that, and, occasionally, my heart gets it too. Take this weekend. After a long journey, we arrived at the check-in desk at the Holiday Inn, High Wycombe. Fakhri welcomed us so warmly, we felt amazing. He asked about our dining plans, and when we explained we were off to see my grandson for his birthday that evening, he asked, “Would he like another present?”

Thus, we popped down to Marlow with Fakhri’s gift alongside our own. Jonah loved the crayons and puzzles from Fakhri, and I pondered on how much pleasure a simple, selfless act of kindness could deliver. I’d never heard of the name, Fakhri, before. Its meaning is rather wonderful, “Worth of being proud of,” and, “glorious.”

At breakfast, I ‘sang’ our room number and other details to Alexander, who, to our delight, continued in conversational song as we shared the required information back and forth. It was fun. He was energised by the encounter, we were energised too, and all the other guests were simply bemused!

The feature wall was covered with motivational quotes, which, clearly at least two of the team members had taken to heart. On the video, I’ll share them at the close.

Here’s the message for today. The hotel room was clean but tired – nothing to get excited about but it was too late, we were already fans. I meditated upon this and realised that the first few moments of a ‘human’ encounter can help you and me become far more able to face whatever else the day has to bring. Our tiredness seems to evaporate in the warmth of the welcome. As it happened, the evening had more than a few hassles – car parking and then work for my son keeping him away until far later than expected. Normally, I’d get ratty and grumpy. This time, I went with the flow and genuinely stayed serene. It was a good evening.

Thinking more on this, I wondered whether you and I could have that impact on others every day. Most people think I’m a happy bunny because I sing to myself most of the time. Truth is, I do this all the time – regardless of how I’m feeling. I think I’ve just got music in my soul even when that soul is unhappy. Alexander picked up the tune and decided to play along, and the result was magical…

Crowded House wisely sang, “Everywhere you go, always take the weather with you…” I sing whether it be weather or music – “everywhere you go, always take the music (of joy) with you,” knowing that people matter most… Shiny Happy People that is!

Lex

A Moodscope member.