Boomerang

What goes out....comes back to us.

Real estate is an adventure, isn’t it? Life, actually, is the big adventure and the real estate that I do is a part of that life. Sometimes it feels like a HUGE part. I read a quote recently that says, “Life is a game….a game of boomerangs…because what you throw out will always come back to you.” Our words and deeds can do the same thing….go out and affect people for good or for bad, traveling way beyond our normal reach.
Being positive, kind, aware of others, becomes important since we never know how far those boomerangs will go or the effect they will have or when they will eventually come back around to us. I don’t want to get hit in the head and knocked for a loop by something I threw out there!
My grandson Dayan has been a great teacher in my life, of many things, such as the wonder of the universe, trusting in a greater good, and expressing gratitude. He’s taught me  how important it is to not only be aware of other people, but to see the good in people and to speak powerful words into their lives. He understands the boomerang effect and the value of being present, in the moment, with people. He has a gift for saying kind, sincere words to others that are encouraging and uplifting.
He’s almost 13 now…but a few years ago, when he was 8, he was shopping in a large discount store with me. As we stood in line at the checkout, it was obvious our associate, a middle aged woman, was NOT having a good day. The transaction in front of ours didn’t go well. There was grumbling from the customer, then irritation. People in line began to mutter and head to another checkout line. You know how it goes. As it was our turn to check out, I decided the best course of action was to remain silent, have a smooth transaction, and get out of her way asap.
I looked at Dayan and wondered how he could possibly find a kind word to say to this frazzled woman. She had a hard face, full of frown lines, and looked like the frustrations of the day had caused her to run her hands through her hair several times, creating a mess. I was afraid she might snap at Dayan if he tried to be cheery and hoped he wouldn’t say anything. But he was studying her, intently. And suddenly he spoke, just as she was taking my money. “You have such pretty eyes,” he said softly. She froze…and then she melted. I hadn’t looked into her eyes. In fact, I had tried not to look at her at all. Her eyes, which were pretty, filled with tears. She softened. As Dayan lifted our bags of groceries into the cart, she became animated and chatted with him. She came around and hugged him and thanked him for his compliment. She transformed before my eyes. As we left she smiled and told me what a special child my grandson was. I agreed.
I learned from Dayan that day that others matter. Even people having a bad day, especially those having a bad day, can use a sincere word of appreciation. I vowed to treat people who are in service to others, whether they work at a supermarket, a restaurant, or the license bureau, as interesting, hard working people worthy of respect. A kind word is always appropriate. Being aware and present with them takes so little effort most days! Instead of being on my phone or distracted, thinking about the next thing I need to do, I take a moment to be kind.
And what about that boomerang? 10 days ago I listed a property. The seller came as a lead through my website. I contacted her immediately and we set up a time to meet to list her house. As I was talking to her, I asked her how she found me online. She said someone had given her my name and suggested she use me to sell her home. I am always delighted with a referral. “Who gave you my name?” I asked. She laughed and said, “Oh you don’t really know her. She’s a checkout lady at the supermarket. She overhead my husband and me talking about the need to move and she spoke up. She said you are always so kind to her and speak to her as you check out. She knew your name was Cindy and that you worked at Keller Williams. I googled you.”
Thank you Dayan for that valuable lesson! The boomerang came back….and brought with it an opportunity.

Cindy Moore

Keller Williams Realty of SW MO

cindymoorerealtor@gmail.com