How have you been marvelous today?

A stranger asked me me a question and my life shifted a little bit. I went for a standard health screening. The nurse and I were chatting away. After a bit she asked me, “How have you been marvelous today?”

My mind paused. I reviewed the day. I didn’t have an answer for her. Four hours into my day, and I could not say that I had made an impact on someone’s life.

Then I realized, yes I did. In many little ways. I said good morning to a stranger in the elevator. He lit up a little and smiled. I setup the coffee maker in the shared kitchen; that’s damn near hero status (this was B.C19). I held a door and it was at the proper distance for the person - they were a little bit away but not far enough that they felt the need to scurry.

The little things matter because one smile can inspired another and another and another and another. We understand contagions so much better now. And guess what? Smiles are contagions that spread happiness. Science agrees a smile can impact happiness levels, in a small way. My little acts, your little acts, make a difference.

Dear Stranger, How have you been marvelous today?