Disclaimer: Anything written in this blog represents the opinions of the author, and no one else. Each blog is written lightly, and is not intended to offend any of the mentioned businesses, locations, students, or staff.

I love the morning. Everything about it. I love waking up to sun shining through my window. I love knowing that I’m waking up with the birds outside and that I am one step ahead of my peers because I do. I love the extra hour or so that I have to myself. I love the time I have to put the finishing touches on my homework assignments, to perfect my outfit and to make my coffee just the way I like it. I love the serenity of the silence and the peace that comes with moving slowly.

Unfortunately, no matter how much joy the morning brings, the truth of the matter is that the morning only lasts so long. I try my best to transfer the positive energy that comes with the morning to all of those around me. I sometimes even try to save some of that tranquility for the afternoon, when stress levels seem to be at their highest in school and work environments. Sharing, though, is a two way process that is only successful if the receiver is as willing as the giver.

Although, I like to imagine myself as a cheerful person, my fuse lasts only so long. Following my schedule, mornings last from 6:00 am to 12:00 pm. This means that around 12:00 in the afternoon, my patience runs low when others decide not receive my friendliness as willingly as all humans should receive kindness.

When I say hello to a stranger, I expect a response. A simple smile will even do the trick. Better yet, if I greet a peer, classmate, or coworker, I expect a verbal response back because of our school or work connection. To my dismay, responses are rare in our community and culture. There is a cold atmosphere that surrounds New England. This is a reflection of the United States as a whole and the technological advancements that encourage conversations with computers and not with our neighbors. It is an over discussed topic in articles, blogs, and the conversation that we actually do have, but the point remains; you get what you give.

Treating those around you kindly will bring you potentially more joy than your kindness will bring to them. Saying hello to those around me when I am abnormally joyful in the mornings brings me great joy and is intended to bring to the recipients the same. So please, spread the happiness, joy of life and the vulnerability of the mornings that we so often take for granted. Say hello!