Comments on: Every Life Has a Story

By: Steve

Steve — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 21:16:02 +0000

Loved this one Nate. My wonderful wife taught me years ago to be kinder than necessary because everyone is struggling with something. This really hit the point well.

Thanks

By: bethebutterfly

bethebutterfly — Thu, 15 Jul 2010 03:29:40 +0000

It is so beautiful. There is something everyone has to give and to share. What a gorgeous representation of that. Thank you.

By: Kristen

Kristen — Thu, 08 Jul 2010 15:33:48 +0000

I read the blog yesterday and was hit the hardest by the last paragraph that Nate wrote – it really speaks to where I am at in my life right now. And then I watched the video this morning when I had some quiet time and WOW! It brought tears to my eyes and one of the first things I thought about is how so many more people need to be reminded that there are stories behind every face. I work in a community college setting and I hear coworkers talk about how annoying the students are, or how bothersome, etc. and I just want to show those people this video and remind them that there is a story behind that person. They are more than just a pesky student…they are a PERSON with feelings and life situations that have affected them. Thank you for sharing, Nate!! It has definitely put my attitude into perspective today.

By: Susie @ Newdaynewlesson

Susie @ Newdaynewlesson — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 05:53:27 +0000

This is the same comment I replied on your site, but figured I would put it here as well.

I really am surprised by the negative comments. The video actually made me cry.

I too do think it could have been more positive. However, I also think it is a good reminder that even something small like a smile from you can be the high point of someone's day. And that smile is needed more when you are dealing with the difficult not the happy things that come up in life.
( I had written a post once where I even quoted a study about someone who jumped off a bridge and survived who would have not done it had one person even smiled at him. http://www.newdaynewlesson.com/?p=2029 )

One of my mottos in life is to give people the benefit of doubt when I deal with them. Why? precisely because I don't know their story or the baggage they carry around with them. I make a conscious choice to see everyone as good even if their actions aren't good.

Does that mean I put up with abuse or with rudeness? No, I don't, but I choose to comment on their behavior in a non judgmental way. One that may or may not make them think in the future about how to respond.

Anyways-sorry for the long ramble.

By: Nate St. Pierre

Nate St. Pierre — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 03:05:40 +0000

Quite right, Sara. Also, I checked out your blog – good stuff.

By: Nate St. Pierre

Nate St. Pierre — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 02:30:00 +0000

Thanks, Margo. I'll be happy to be on the program and chat for a bit.

By: Karla Porter

Karla Porter — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:32:53 +0000

Nice, it puts things into perspective really well as it illustrates that you don't know what's behind the person's eyes you are looking into.

By: Margo Rose

Margo Rose — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:22:08 +0000

This video almost made me cry. It touches to the core of compassion. I am so happy you and Joni are going to be on Compassionate HR on July 19. I can't wait to hear your story.

By: Sara at Saving for Someday

Sara at Saving for Someday — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 22:20:40 +0000

Thank you for sharing this, Nate! I was misty-eyed because I felt like it was talking to me. Every day I try to remember that what we are on the outside isn't necessarily what's going on behind closed doors. As someone who has struggled with finding 'normal' again after my daughter was the victim of a violent crime at age 4 and 1/2, I look pretty put together on the outside. Inside I'm falling apart some days and when I walk in to a store and am greeted with a smile, I gain a little bit of hope that it will be OK. While some may see this as manipulative, the point is that each person who walks through the door deserves a welcome and a smile.

But I think the story should be made full circle and remind employees that even though they may be having a bad day or experiencing a difficult time, when a customer smiles at them and says something nice that all we're trying to do is be nice and make their day a little brighter too.

It does start with us -- as individuals, not as corporations. And even though these people may be actors, no one really knows their story. Maybe for some it's the big breakthrough after trying for years, for others it may be a few bucks that puts food on their family table after many months of no work. We've become cynical, in general. It starts with us to turn that boat right!

By: Nate St. Pierre

Nate St. Pierre — Tue, 06 Jul 2010 19:28:40 +0000

Hey Peg, I toddled on over to your site and checked it out. Wow, I was surprised by the hotly negative reactions. (Side note: I think you handled the discussion beautifully.)

And yes, people are suspicious and scornful of manipulating emotions, and especially "big bad corporations," but there has to be some space allowed for an honest treatment of everyday stories. I mean, you literally can't deny that every one of those stories (and 100 more) could be true for those customers that day. And obviously they're actors, because how else do you illustrate that concept?

I think your last point is the best: "how can you tell between manipulation and tapping into true emotion?" I think we try to look at things with an open heart, and give people the benefit of the doubt.

Also, if a piece depicts true stories and emotions, then it's true, no matter who's presenting it.