I was in Trafalgar Square in London last week and it was busy as usual. People from many parts of the world taking pictures of each other in front of the famous fountains and lions. I was walking at some speed, as usual, from the tube station to a favorite café of mine that overlooks the square. It was a wonderful summers day and I decided to stop for a few minutes and take in some of the relaxed atmosphere of the early morning.
I was in a business suit, wearing one of my colourful ties and carrying a briefcase. When I stopped I got out a camera and took a few pictures, one of which you can see here. Because I had stopped and was taking pictures I was approached by a number of people to take pictures of them in front of the fountain and lions, with their cameras. I had ceased to be the busy ‘city gent’ and now was approachable to help them capture the memories to be shared when they returned to their homes.
Eventually I headed over to the café to enjoy my coffee after a very early start and it got me thinking. I came up with three main thoughts:
- Some things are consistent, day in day out, week in week out, year in year out and we take them for granted. If we stop and look we sometimes enjoy what we had lost sights of. (In my case it was the lions – they have been there since I can remember and they are amazing statues, frequently sat upon by visitors to have their picture taken. In my familiarity I was not seeing.)
- When you stop people see you and speak – and a smile can cross any language barrier.
- A small gesture such as taking someone picture can make someone’s day.
- So, what amazing things are you so familiar with that you no longer see?
- When was the last time you stopped, smiled and perhaps spoke to someone new?
- And thirdly, is there anything that you can do to make some ones day?
You know the answers, just as I did when I stopped – now take action.
My best wishes,
Peter
