I went to Kirstenbosch on Thursday for a birthday treat of a bread-and-butter pudding. No walking, just eating.
I always enjoy my visits to the Fynkos Tearoom, so I explained my quick-in, quick-out birthday mission to Mpumi as I placed the order.
After a few minutes her colleague Olinda stopped by with a big smile to wish me a happy birthday.
When I asked for the bill, it arrived—blank.
The two ladies had arranged with Angelique, the manager, to pay for my treat.
I don’t have the exact words to describe how I felt in that moment…but I do know the impact of their act of kindness will stay with me forever.
How long did the whole interaction take? It doesn’t matter. It’s the lasting effect that counts.
Stephen Covey teaches about the ’emotional bank account’—the idea that we make deposits and withdrawals in our relationships. Not so we can cash in later, but because every act of kindness, honesty, or thoughtfulness strengthens the relationship.
The deposit that those three wonderful people at Fynkos made in our emotional bank account inspires me to pay more attanetion to the opportunities I have to do the same.
Thought for the week:
Make a list of your important relationships.
Then, using any scale you like, ask:
What’s the balance in that emotional account right now?
In credit? Overdrawn? Could use a top-up?
Then do something small—but meaningful. Smile. Call. Visit. Hug. Say you’re sorry.
Then rinse and repeat.
And the best part? Your ability to make deposits never runs out.
Wishing you a week of rich returns.
—
“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word… all of which have the potential to turn a life around.”
— Leo Buscaglia