Just the other day, I was sitting at a stoplight, and a happy memory popped into my mind. It’s been almost five years since we moved to Iowa, but I still remember this moment like it was yesterday.
Back when we lived in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, I had an experience at a tiny gas station that left a lasting impact on me (and my kids). We had just moved to the city, and navigating urban gas stations was stressful. One of the first times I stopped for gas, I had to back my van into a pump vs pulling straight in because of the tiny parking lot, talk about overwhelming.
Before I could start pumping gas, an elderly gentleman named Mr. Dale, wearing a little bucket hat, approached us. He must have been in his 70s or 80s. He said, "I know kids aren’t supposed to take candy from strangers but Hi, I’m Mr. Dale. Now that you know me, can I give your kids a lifesaver mint?"
I hesitated for a moment, but he seemed harmless and kind. So, I let my kids take the mints. From that day on, we returned to that gas station hundreds of times over the ten years we lived there.
Mr. Dale’s simple act of kindness created a ripple effect, turning a stressful moment into a cherished memory and created some pretty loyal customers.
Sometimes, the most impactful moments happen when no one is watching. These micro-moments can make all the difference.
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