There’s nothing that sets my day off with a pleasant jolt to the spirit more than a hello or good morning from a  stranger. Always unexpected but always appreciated, it is a personal acknowledgement that validates that I. Am.

I often walk early in the morning, preferably on a nature trail but lately, in the city and when I do, a stranger’s greeting just sets my day on the right path.

My walk becomes jauntier. I am more mindful of nature, the sunshine and I just feel good. I am also much more likely to pass that hello on to others I pass along the way.

Hello there! Pass it on!

It gets me thinking about how many ways we can greet each other, from a smile, to a nod of the head, or catching someone’s eye, even a wave.

Naturally, there are numerous greetings depending on language and culture…

 Aloha, Guten Morgen, Bonjour, Kon’nichiwa, Good Morning! And I have no doubt that that the warm glow you receive happens in all cultures.

Some observations-

1. Older people tend to say hello more than younger people. Why? Is it because while retirees are out and about for exercise, extending a greeting just helps them to stay connected to others? Was this cordiality an example that our parents set for us,  or after many years of living do we recognize that it can enhance our own mood in addition to the mood of those we meet? I’m not sure.
2. People say hello more in the morning than any other time of day. Free from the baggage that accumulates over the work day, perhaps that morning hello sets the giver off in the right mood to face their daily challenges..

Wherever you are, whatever language you speak, make it your mission today to say hello to a stranger. It may affect them in ways that you cannot even imagine.