Think of someone you know pretty well and really like. Now, imagine seeing that person right at the start of your usual day. Well, maybe not right at the start; probably should wait at least until you’ve gotten out of bed, done your morning grooming and gotten dressed. So, instead, let’s have you imagine seeing that person soon after you’ve left the house.

Right away, you can tell that they’re in a really great mood. They greet you with a big ole genuine smile and a hearty hello. Why it just seems like seeing you was exactly the thing they were hoping for this fine morning. You exchange how-are-ya’s and both of you are smiling on your way to the next part of your day.

Now, just for the awkward pleasure of it, imagine meeting that same person on a different day. They’re in a really lousy mood, looking as if their spouse and their dog both ran off with the same person. As soon as you say hello, they launch into the latest version of All That’s Wrong in My World. Ends up with you wishing you’d taken a different route altogether.

Just to get the slime out of your soul and the chaff out of your heart, go back and re-imagine that first encounter again. Maybe two or three times. You know, the one that left you feeling good about both of you.

Now, let me ask you: which version of yourself do want your friends, neighbors and colleagues to encounter today? Which version will offer others an easier path to making a good day? Which one of your potential selves will help you make a good day?

Okay, how ’bout going with that one, at least for the first eight or nine hours?

H. Arnett
4/4/19