When Cindy and I hiked 5,000 miles across the country, it struck me how often people would tell us to “be safe” upon parting. I found this ironic, given that being friendly to complete strangers such as us was not placing “be safe” as a top priority. I started replying with “live well,” which aligns with my worldview of “Love kindness. Build community. Believe in humanity.” Now I am turning that worldview into a mailbox mission.
Telling acquaintances to “live well” upon parting always brought an appreciative smile, more than from I anyone being told to “be safe.” Back home in Norfolk I continued to say “live well” or “be well” in parting. Again people responded with smiles. A few folks in town now also say “live well.”
Now I have a new way to bring a smile to someone. Local graphic designer Hilary VanWright placed my worldview on a sticker that I hand out to folks. Some look a little apprehensive when I offer them something free, but all have appreciated the sticker once they receive it.
I pass a miniature outdoor library on my way to the village center. The welcoming message of the library prompted me to put a sticker on the “library” door, a little concerned that I overstepped my bounds. Not to worry. When I confessed my impetuous deed to Francine, the responsible landowner, instead of reprobation she requested more stickers for herself.
That gave me the idea of putting a sticker on my mailbox. Now I imagine the mailman smiling as he delivers the mail. Can you? If you can, then join me in my mailbox mission. If you see me in town ask for one to put on your own mailbox. Or ask for two and convince a neighbor to do the same.
If you read this from afar, I will be glad to send you some for the “price” of convincing a neighbor or friend to subscribe. Or I can email you the jpeg file and you can order a bunch to hand out. From experience I guarantee that handing them out will draw a smile from most people. We all can use more smiles these days.
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