I’m bringing back a feature of my blog that I started almost two years ago called the “Live Like it Matters Challenge“. Some of the posts, like this one, will be repeat challenges. Others will be new ones. Either way you will have an opportunity to Live Like it Matters.
Each week or so I will issue a challenge to you to do something to make a positive difference in the lives of those around you, in the place around you, wherever you are.
This challenge is for me, too. Because I forget to make sure to be aware of those around me. To see them. To smile or nod.
But I don’t want to forget. I want to make a difference. I want to live on purpose.
Unfortunately, I’ve been the one in the forever long check out line at the store, staring blankly at the air, lost in my own thoughts. Not thinking about the elderly lady behind me or the mom with 2 restless toddlers in her cart whining to go home. Not smiling. Not saying anything. Just there. Missing an opportunity to do something kind or good. Even if it’s just to say, “Hello, how are you?” 
And that’s the challenge this week. SAY HELLO to at least five strangers. Look them straight in the eyes and say hello. Make sure you’re smiling, too. It may feel strange at first and the stranger may think you’re weird and not respond. That’s fine. You tried.
Try again. Then again. And again. See what happens?
I bet you end up having a nice conversation with one of those strangers this week. I bet you make someone’s day just by smiling and speaking.
Because when you acknowledge someone, you’re telling them they matter.
And they do matter.
And you matter and what you do matters.
So live on purpose.
Live like it matters. Say hello!
Share with me how the strangers responded. What was your experience?
Maybe you do this all the time. I’d love to hear about it.
mariegriffith.me 
I remember your Live Like It Matters challenge! It’s one of the reasons I first followed you! 😀
I try to do this particular one as much as possible. I always try to smile at people and say hi. Sometimes they’re receptive, sometimes not, but it’s all good. Today I got at least 3 smiles and hellos returned, possibly more. Regardless, totally worth it. 😀
Thank you for sharing Paula! I know you shine brightly.
Ohhh, what a beautiful thing to say! Thank you!
We live in a small country town and everyone says hello, it can take ages to walk down the street. I agree, it’s a lovely way to live and you can’t be upset or angry if people smile and say hello to you! Hello to you 😊
Hello to you Debbie. Small towns are wonderful that way.
They are indeed. 😊
Awesome! Right now we’re visiting our new granddaughter and her family (our youngest daughter) in Norway, a different culture. We’ll see how it goes!!
IE…we’re not in Kansas, Toto…
I can’t wait to hear how it goes. Let us know.
Well, so far I’ve mostly received smiles and hi’s back, which is pretty neat in a foreign country. You never quite know culturally how Midwest howdies are going to be taken, so there are some sensitivities to be taken into account I suppose, but here it’s okay. I think just a warm smile is the same in about any language.
You’re right Dawn. A smile breaks most barriers. Thanks for sharing!
I’m in!!
Great! Share an interesting story with us if you have one this week.
Love your challenge! Intentional caring. Thanks for the encouragement to step out and be others-centric.
Thank you Mary!
As a writer, I frequently obverse people in order to feed my writing. The downside of doing this is that I am so engaged in watching that I miss opportunities to act. Thanks for encouraging me to seek those opportunities.
Thanks for sharing Peter. Noticing those around you is the beginning of making a difference. We won’t say hello if we don’t don’t see them.