I don’t keep a gratitude journal. If I did, there’d be multiple entries for the times I’ve been greeted by a friendly passer-by when on a morning walk. I’m even more appreciative than I used to be, because the number of people who return—let alone initiate—a greeting, seems to be shrinking.
The other day I caught myself thinking less about the dog-walker who cheerily returned my “Hello!”, than the several other exercisers who either looked through me or gave a puzzled stare. Did they see me? Just not hear me? What were they thinking? Do I know this woman? I hope she isn’t talking to me!