Did you see them?

I heard a story this week on the new Obama Netflix show, ‘Working: What We Do All Day’, a four-part limited series chronicling the lives of 12 members of the workforce. The show gives you an insider glimpse into the working world of various roles in the USA. It was a fleeting comment in one of the episodes that struck me so powerfully. One of the characters has worked in room service in the same famous New York hotel for 21 years. She mentions how often she walks past guests in the corridor and wishes them "good morning" only to find that not only do they not reply, but they don't acknowledge her at all. She tells this story in passing. It’s a fleeting comment, something that she is so familiar with that its not even a key part of her shared experience.?

For me, this struck me to the core. What world have we created when we don’t even think it of value to respond to someone who speaks to us?

Ask yourself, how often are you doing the same? Walking past people every day without seeing them?

The service industry is worth $126 Trillion. That is a sector employing the majority of humanity in some form. By simply recognising more people in this sector, you have the power to impact the collective confidence, connectivity and joy of a large part of our society.

We have no idea of how much of a difference it makes to look someone in the eye, say hello, say thank you, ask them their name. Being seen and heard it fundamental to our existence.

?

Will you join me in an awareness pledge?

?

A pledge to truly take the time, make the eye contact and use your voice to recognise more of our fellow humans, starting with those in service. Whether that’s at your local grocery store, a coffee shop nearby, someone working in gardening or the park, or someone in security perhaps?

* Say hello.

* Ask them how they are (and listen to their reply).

* Ask their name and say it’s nice to meet them today.

?

Truly, your awareness to this, and your children’s as they grow up, will make an immense difference.

You have the power to help overcome loneliness, and the associated issues with this such as depression, anxiety, bullying and even suicide, that is plaguing our world. But, will you?

Say yes?

Always listening,

Mimi