Greet with a Smile
by storyteller and optimist, Benjamin Holmgren
Years ago I learned something from Brené Brown that I still use every single day:
When you get home to your spouse/kids/dog etc.
Before you open the door
Put a smile on your face!
It doesn’t matter how your day went. Or what you’re doing next. Or if you’re starving.
For 30 seconds, at least pretend that you’re elated to see them.
Make them feel like you were looking forward to getting back home.
After all, they’re your favorite people in the whole world. I hope.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “That seems like a cheesy, tiny thing, man, hardly an earth-shattering revelation.”
But your attitude sets the tone for the rest of the evening within 15 seconds of walking in the door.
So really, it’s not tiny at all. It’s a huge deal.
Because you come home every day. And the things you do every day grind on you.
Jordan Peterson says if you can fix 25 little things like “coming home,” you will have an extraordinary life.
Taking your family to Disneyland is insignificant.
Your kid’s expensive birthday party will be forgotten within weeks.
Coming home?
That’s your whole life. Fix it.
Start today.
