What I learned about kindness on a trip to Chicago.

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A few weeks ago, my wife, Nicole, and I visited my son in Chicago.

While walking on Navy Pier, Nicole looked at a group of people obviously celebrating a birthday and said, “I love your shirts!”

The introvert in me thought, “Leave these people alone – what if they talk to us?”

Nicole then asked, “Whose birthday is it?” and when a woman in front raised her hand with a big grin, she warmly wished her “Happy Birthday!” and told the group to enjoy their day.

The whole thing took 15 seconds at most.

Kindness is simple, quick and requires very little effort.

However, the effect on others is meaningful and lasting.

Let’s take our cue from Nicole and spread a little love.

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—CJ McClanahan

Speaker | Advisor | Recovering Overachiever

CJ McClanahan