Uncommonly Common

Once you leave out of your house, you quickly see that common courtesy and common sense have become things of the past. In fact, you'll find yourself commending and applauding people who take out the trash for Seniors, men who open the doors for children and women, drivers that pull to the side for the ambulance or fire trucks...the list goes on and on. Our society constantly promotes how "respecting" others is an essential part of our beliefs, but common courtesy isn't extended nor is common sense upheld. 

Kindness is the solution to rebuilding common courtesy. It begins with influence NOT just the politician, elected officials or Entertainers, but it begins with YOU! Each of us have influence over those we interact with, those we serve and those we love. Simply be the light to those you interact with, performing random acts of kindness. Kindness isn't popular in our society because it doesn't win awards, praise or recognition. It doesn't allow your to display your "reading" skills or abilities to "pop off'" on someone. One of the most powerful of "Be Attitudes" . . . simply Be Kind! 

How can we extend common courtesy! 

1. Live it! 
2. Speak it!
3. Demand it! 
4. Reinforce it! 

We have to live it by being the example. Why complain about what others aren't doing to be courteous if you aren't? I let youth, see me speaking to others when I enter a room, opening the doors for others, picking up trash in the halls, taking my hat off when I'm in a building. One of the most effective ways of teaching is modeling. We have to model the behavior we desire others to display by living it, speaking it, demanding it and reinforcing it. Be mindful of "demanding it"! Demanding should come from your presence. Young men should want to pull up their pants when you walk by or enter a room because your presence demands it! We can't make demands when our actions aren't displayed with kindness and in love.

Use your Super Power! Common Sense is a super power; use it! We all know that people do what they see other do. This is what creates trends and shapes traditions. We have to re-brand Common Sense! Here are just a few examples of common sense that we can all help reinforce:

1. Don't leave children and pets in hot, locked cars. 

2. If you walk by a Senior Citizen crossing the street, assist them. 

3. Hold the door! See if people are coming behind you instead of letting the door slam in their face. 

4. If you see a funeral procession driving by, pull over! 

5. On rainy days, don't speed in lanes closest to side walks where people are walking.

Common sense causes us to be mindful or not only our actions but our surrounding and others. Although, we live in a time where common courtesy and common sense seem to lack in the moral fabric that influences our society, we can make the change. My grandparents would always say, "please and thank you" will always get you further in life.