There’s a quote from Og Mandino that makes me stop and think every time I hear it:
Og Mandino wrote The Greatest Salesman in the World and a handful of other books that weave personal development with timeless life lessons. His words aren’t just about business or motivation – they’re about how we treat people, and ultimately, how we live our lives. This quote in particular has been sticking with me lately. It challenges me. It makes me take a hard look at the way I think about the world.
We say things like “life is short” without thinking. But how often do we live like we believe it?
A couple of weeks ago, I was running errands – one of those days packed with little tasks I just wanted to get through. I stopped at the post office, expecting the usual slow-moving line. There was an older man at the counter, fumbling with a stack of envelopes, asking the clerk the same question more than once. People behind me were rolling their eyes, and getting annoyed. I caught myself thinking, Come on, buddy…
To pass the time, I pulled out my phone and scrolled through some notes, and I had/have the quote there and I re-read it.
What if this man dies tonight? What if this is the last interaction he ever has?
I took a breath. Instead of adding to the tension in the room, I smiled at him when he dinished. He gave me a small nod, and I said, “Have a great day!” His whole face softened.
That moment didn’t cost me anything and I walked out of there feeling lighter, like I’d somehow honored something sacred.
I’m not sharing this to pat myself on the back or show how great I can be (ok – maybe that is a bit much…). Sometimes I’m not so pleasant with people. Sometimes I’m so wrapped up in my own head that I forget there’s a whole world of stories walking past me. But when I do remember, when I slow down and choose care over criticism, everything shifts.
What if we lived this way more often? What if we treated each person… the cashier, the driver who cuts us off, the neighbor we barely know – you never know if this could be their last day?
Everyone has a story and most of the time we don’t know anything about it. I shared a story about this, You Never Know. it also reminds me when we bought our first house – the seller was an attorney and was haggling and penny pinching trying to get us to pay more for the house. I remember being annoyed thinking he was a high power attorney and I was a young person – what was he trying to do?? It turns out, I certainly did not know his story about how he needed to pay pay back-owed alimony and child support. He had to pay a lien that was placed on the house due to financial issues. That was an eye-opening experience for me.
If we were somehow able to instantly know the back story of everyone:
- I think we’d stop keeping score.
- I think we’d speak more gently.
- I think we’d listen better.
And in the process, we’d become the kind of people others feel safe around. The kind of people who leave a quiet, lasting impact.
Mandino’s challenge isn’t about living in fear of death or some morbid thought. It’s about living with eyes wide open and seeing the value in people before it’s too late. It reminds me that life isn’t measured in years or accomplishments, but in how we show up for the people we cross paths with every single day.
You never know when a small kindness might be the last kindness someone experiences. You never know when a word of encouragement could be the one thing keeping someone going.
I’m still learning this. I have to remind myself often. But the truth is, when I take this to heart, my life is never the same again. It gets fuller. It gets richer. And it feels a whole lot more like the kind of life I want to be remembered for.
So maybe this is a reminder for both of us.
Beginning today… let’s live like this matters. Because it does.
This quote was my husband, he was always kind, caring and would help any stranger. For him, life was short but so many people came to me and mentioned his kind and helpful ways. Yes life is short and unless someone has a train or plane to catch, there is no reason to rush someone that may be a bit slower than they would like. A few extra minutes and telling someone to have a nice day can bring a smile to both the one mentioning that and the one receiving it. Thanks for reminder for everyone to be kind and understanding to others. I hope you have a great day Paul!
Thank you for sharing a little tribute to your husband. You have written many times about him and his impact on those around him is evident from the words you’ve shared. The reminder to be patient, kind, and understanding towards others is so important, especially in today’s fast-paced world. Will 23 seconds really matter? It’s the small gestures, like taking a few extra minutes to show compassion, that can truly make a difference in someone’s day. Wishing you all the best, Martha, and I hope you have a great day as well!
What an important reminder that being kind literally doesn’t cost us anything but can make a huge difference. We may never know what the other person is going through.
Thans for stopping by and for the comment, Tamara! You are absolutely right – a simple act of kindness can have a huge impact on someone’s day. It’s important to always be mindful of the struggles others may be facing and to choose kindness whenever possible. Keep spreading positivity!
I love that quote. We seem so wrapped up in our own stuff (and want everyone else to treat us with grace) that we forget that everyone else is walking a similar path. We are all just trying to make it through the best we can. If we treated everyone like it was their last day it changes their world, but the biggest impact (like the quote says) would be on ourselves.
Thank you for this today!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts, Barb! It’s a good reminder that kindness and empathy can have a big impact not only on others but also on us as well. Treating everyone with grace and compassion can truly make a difference in the world. As Gandi said, “Be the change you want to see.”
This is also a testament of what you give comes back in many blessings. A Course In Miracles says what you give and receive are one. We are all connected. It’s time we begin to act like it.
I think I missed that – LOL. What you give and receive are one. I like that – time to go back and review ACIM – it has been years since I read it – I have it on my Kindle (well, my Kindle Reader).
Whoa, I felt this! Reading this blog brought up lots of emotions and thoughts, even a bit of doubt. Thanks for making me reflect and face some contradictions within myself!
Thank you for sharing how it made you feel (or felt at this point). Self-reflection can be a good thing. Keep reflecting and, if you are so inclined…, let me know what you discovered about yourself. Thanks, KW!
This is such an important reminder! Thank you for posting this Paul! It is so true! We do not know what someone’s story is. It is something I always try to remind myself when I feel frustrated or angry with people. We are all human beings having our own experiences. I loved what you said about compassion over criticism. I try to have this in mind when I need to set boundaries with people. We can express our needs tactfully. People usually aren’t mind readers. What’s obvious to one person, may not be obvious to another.
Perfectly said, Jennifer! Ya never know…
It’s good to be reminded that everyone has a story. We need to hear them as well as telling our own. Everything we do matters. I remind myself that as we go through these days of the UBC. So I tried to write each post as they do make a difference even though some days everything feels mundane and nothing seems to matter. Thanks for providing us this niche.
I think that what you write makes a difference. It may not be apparent that day, but maybe in a week, or a month, or a year! When you publish something, you never know when the right person is going to find it and when! Thanks for sharing, Lily