Life can be harsh and sometimes the struggle seems not worth the effort, but then there are people who remind us that it is.
Some months ago I attended a social media breakfast in Branford, Connecticut. It was a rainy morning, a very early morning, and I arrived to the event a bit late. Feeling awkward (I hate being late), I entered the front of the filled conference room and not knowing where to go, I spotted WTNH News Anchor Ann Nyberg waving me down and motioning for me to come sit with her. Ann and I had never met before except for exchanges on Facebook and Twitter. As I adjusted myself at the table, Ann put her hand on my shoulder and said “Can I get you a cup of coffee?” (Ann Nyberg is going to get ME a cup of coffee?) I was taken aback because for some reason random acts of kindness always surprise me.
Last week, I met with Peter Good of Cummings & Good for an interview regarding AIGA CT. It was the second time I would interview Peter for INK publications. Good is a rock star of graphic design and recently was recognized as the first AIGA fellow from Connecticut. He’s created logos for The Hartford Whalers, Wadsworth Atheneum and Special Olympics. The poster design coming from C&G crosses the line between art and design. As I entered the design firm, Peter immediately comes to greet me, grabs my hand and provides me with a big hug. He expresses his pleasure in being able to meet again and once again I’m taken aback with the kindness and warmth of someone who has accomplished amazing and worthy lifetime achievements.
It is not often that we have the opportunity to meet such sincere and gracious people and when we do those encounters make a lasting impression. Our streets are filled with road rage. Big business and corporations take advantage of their standings and sometimes it seems that everywhere we look people are just waiting to be rude. I don’t write here about Ann and Peter because of their stature. I write about them because they have accomplished so much and they give so much back. It comes to them naturally.
All it really takes, for me, is a reassuring hand on my shoulder or a welcoming embrace. I suspect the same is true for most people… little random acts of kindness go a long way in healing someone’s day. So the next time I see you coming in out of the rain, looking a little awkward, I’m going to offer you a cup of coffee or maybe a hug. Until then, here’s some flowers for you.
Amy Graver
Very well put, Lisa. It’s really that simple and should not take people any effort at all. Rather, it surprises me when I hear it does. So I offer you the same – an umbrella when its raining, a hug when you need one, a friend to listen – always. Thank you for this thoughtful post and putting into words what many take for granted.
Lisa
Nicely said Rich.
rich hollant
Graciousness is an art form. Though I don’t know Anne personally, I hear she is a fabulous practitioner. Peter, however, I know quite well. He and Jan are the most gracious people I know: warm, genuine, gentle, open and receptive are just a few of the words I use to describe them. Those characteristics are abundant in the quality of their work and the place of esteem they hold in our design community. On a daily basis, I use Peter’s graciousness to remind me of how I want to embrace the world. Right now, it takes a lot of work for me to reach that goal. I look forward to the day it’s easy.
Taylor Potter
I agree that, “It is not often that we have the opportunity to meet such sincere and gracious people and when we do those encounters make a lasting impression.”
Good for you Lisa to meet such wonderful people who are into graphic art. I am an admirer of those people who have talent in art like people who inspired the artistic professional twitter backgrounds on twitter.
ELO
Great Post Lisa keep up the good work!
Savannah
AW! Don’t forget you’re wonderful too! Love this post.
Jakisbuzz
LOVE THIS and YES Ann is WONDERFUL:)
hugs, Jaki