Written: October 10th, 2011
A few weeks back I hopped on a plane with my dad to accompany him on a business trip. The flight was booked solid and there were no extra seat anywhere. Out of all the seats I could be placed in, I was given the seat in front of the exit row, which means my seat, by law, can’t recline.
So there I am on a packed flight, sitting in a middle seat, in a non-reclining chair on a six-hour flight. But that’s only the beginning. Out of all the seats on the plane, my seat was broken. The headrest was detached from the chair and instead of a cushioned head rest, my head was resting on metal. Not quite what you would call flying comfortably. I did my best to make the best of it, but I was not very successful. Half way through the flight, my neck felt like it was breaking. I called over the flight attendant and explained my situation.
The flight attendant was very abrupt and said there were no extra chairs and with that walked away. I was taken aback by the lack of sensitivity the flight attendant showed me but what shocked me even more was her reaction when I stood in the aisle to stretch for a bit. I couldn’t sit down anymore, so I decided the least I could do was stretch. She immediately told me to clear the aisle and get back in my seat. The fasten seat belt sign wasn’t on and I couldn’t understand her hostile behavior.
Least to say, I was not a happy camper and it made me question what happened to the entire flying experience. I disembarked and suggested to my father that we write a complaint letter to the airline. What a terrible way to treat a customer. After all that’s what feedback is all about – people writing their experiences so that others are well informed.
Let’s skip ahead now to this past week (October 4th). A friend of mine came in from out of town and we decided to go for a nice steak dinner. He heard of a place that I had never been to but I’m always willing to try something new. From the moment we entered the restaurant the people there were so exceptionally kind. At one point the manager of the restaurant came over to our table to ask how we were doing and began conversing with us. Every person there was so pleasant to be around. I was about to walk out of the restaurant when something hit me. I was so quick to send the airline negative feedback just two weeks ago, yet here I am with positive feedback and I was going to keep it to myself? Before leaving the restaurant, I went over to the manager and told him how much I enjoyed the restaurant and the service they provided. I could tell that he appreciated the positive feedback.
When I stepped out of the restaurant I realized that very often we run to give negative feedback when things don’t go our way, but how often do we run to give positive feedback. The way I see it, if we don’t acknowledge the good out there then we aren’t giving incentive for people to perpetuate goodness. If we only speak up when we dislike something, we aren’t giving ample and much needed support to the things we do like. Eventually, the negativity we send out will only produce more negative energy. In a sense, we become responsible for the things we raise our voices to in protest. Let’s begin to promote good, to promote kindness, to promote love by sharing our positive experiences.
Although I believe that the everyday kindnesses of the back roads more than makes up for the greed in the headlines, why are we not as forthcoming with our praise of the everyday kindnesses in the same way that we publicize our negative sentiments.
2/2/12:
Looking back at this entry that I wrote a few months ago, I have a newfound appreciation for the power of gratitude. Towards the end of December 2011 the “Kindness Boomerang” film went viral; traveling across the globe, inspiring those whose path it crossed. Since then, comments have been pouring in on a daily basis (facebook, youtube, twitter, etc) – it’s been amazing! I make it a point to read every single comment and respond. People have asked me, “Orly, are you crazy – how do you answer every comment, what’s the point?” The truth is that reading comments on the film is one of the very best parts of my day because it reminds me why I am doing what I’m doing. Having left my job to pursue Life Vest Inside was not such an easy transition financially. There are very difficult moments, however the inspiring and heart warming comments from people who have seen the film and connect to the message of the organization gets me through those difficult days.
One of the very first things I do when I wake up in the morning is read through comments even while in bed. Those comments lift my spirits and help me pop out of bed with the largest smile on my face, ready to be fully invested in yet another inspiring day working on Life Vest Inside. So, to all those who have reached out and connected with me, just know that it means more than you know! Through your positive feedback I am energized each and every day.
On that note: I would like to encourage each person reading this blog to make a conscious effort to send positive feedback to a person, business, local store, teacher, employer, or anyone for that matter that you appreciate and show your gratitude. I can guarantee they will continue to give you reasons to be grateful. A simple thank you goes a long way – so what are we waiting for?
Thank you for sharing your thoughts on feedback! It defently has made me think about all my reactionsthe to those I come in contact with! For the last 2time years I have been thanking everyto individual of the Armed Forces that I see! Thank you for following your dreams to inspire the rest if us to do the same! Keep up the good work! Blessings, Love, Light, Hope and Peace, Suzanne E Proniske
Suzzanne! Thank you so much for your beautiful words and feedback! That’s a beautiful thing you’re doing – it is so important to be appreciative for those who serve – I’m sure you’ve inspired them and touched their hearts.
Thanks for your encouragement and I do hope you stay connected with Life Vest Inside!
With love and kindness,
Orly Wahba
You are in inspiration. Ever since I watched the viral video, I have realised that we can fulfil many things in life, and one of that is to make life better, for you and the ones around you. Thank you for that.
I wish I could support you in any way, but I’m only 14, and at this stage all I can do is share your work online, which is quite a shame, as I wish to do something more satisfying.
Keep up the good job!
WOW!! That truly means a great deal to me! Thank you so much for staying connected and sharing Life Vest Inside’s message with others. You are already doing a tremendous thing.
Regardless of your age, you have the ability to truly touch and inspire the lives of others, simply by living kindly and opening your eyes to the opportunities for kindness the surround you. Never forget that one kind act creates a ripple effect with no logical end:)
You’re never too young to make a difference:) I’m rooting for you!
With lots of love,
Orly
Thank you for reminding us to be grateful! A few years back I read an article that said people are more apt to thank people/use good manners on complete strangers than within their own family. Please don’t take your family for granted. Remember to show thankfulness to your family first because once that groundwork is laid it can and will reach others.
Pam! I couldn’t agree more. It’s so important to appreciate the people in your life that are always there; sometimes they are the ones in need of that recognition of your love for them. Family is everything in this world:)
What a great blog
Thanks Rebecca! That means a lot! Feel free to contribute to the blog by posting a guest blog. Your story can inspire others to action!