New Year, New Habit

More than a decade ago, I was rushing to catch a plane. This is not news. Those who know me know that I tend to run a bit late. And, as an optimist, I always assume things will go without a hitch.

In this instance, I was on my way to an important business meeting and didn’t have a backup plan if I missed my flight. Finally arriving at the airport, I gathered my luggage, ran to the terminal, and inched my way through security, sweating all the way.

When it was finally my turn, I hefted my bag to be scanned, checked my watch, and took a deep breath—it looked like I was going to make it by the skin of my teeth. I strode quickly through the x-ray gate and flashed a relieved smile at the stern, very large TSA agent. All of a sudden he smiled back—a huge, white-toothed, happy grin—and said, “You are so beautiful.” And then I—in my 50s, sweating and disheveled, never a beauty even at my best—floated on air to my gate and on board.

The elation from that moment lasted all day, and even today, as the memory surfaces, I smile and lift my chin and feel amazing. It’s not so much the compliment (although that was indeed lovely) but the feeling of being seen and appreciated. It was a tiny gesture that had long-lasting impact.

Many things in the world are beyond my control. I can’t reverse climate change, resolve political differences, heal the sick, erase bigotry and hatred. What I can do—and what I resolve to do in 2022—is make more small gestures that I hope will give people a lift, make them feel seen and appreciated.

I’ve never been big on new year’s resolutions. I guess I lacked real motivation to do all of the things that I knew I needed to do! Exercise more, eat less and more healthfully, work less, sit less, read better books … the list goes on. But last year, I found a new way to think about it. Rather than a “resolution,” I decided to form a new “habit.”

Last year, my new habit was to start each day with a walk. It’s been pure pleasure to stick to this resolve. No matter the weather, my walk is one of the best parts of every day. I was surprised at how fast and easy it was to form the habit and stick to it—literally every day of the year when I was home and most days when I was away.

So my new habit for 2022 is to be more conscious of opportunities to acknowledge, recognize, thank, and appreciate people. I expect it will be fun and satisfying for me and, I hope, gratifying for them!

Perhaps my new habit should be to plan ahead and avoid rushing to the airport! But I'll save that for another year.