The Secret to Becoming a Day Brightener

Happy Couple

David Brooks, Op-Ed columnist for The New York Times, wrote an essay titled “The Moral Bucket List” which was posted in the Sunday Review section of nytimes.com. He began his essay with the following paragraph: “About once a month I run across a person who radiates an inner light. These people can be in any walk of life. They seem deeply good. They listen well. They make you feel funny and valued. You often catch them looking after other people and as they do so their laugh is musical; and their manner is infused with gratitude. They are not thinking about what wonderful work they are doing. They are not thinking about themselves at all.” He went on to say in the next paragraph, “When I meet such a person, it brightens my whole day.” We can all become “day brighteners” and the secret is in the last sentence of Mr. Brooks’ opening paragraph: “They are not thinking about themselves at all.”

2 thoughts on “The Secret to Becoming a Day Brightener

  1. Haven’t written you or commented in quite a long time but have been connected since my 2008 CPMR graduation or somewhere there about. Seems like a great mindset especially on a rainy cold winter day in the northeast. Just sent your email to someone I care deeply for but could use a boost as she seems stuck in a job that sucks her ability to enjoy weekdays right out of her…..hope she sees it this morning and it brightens her day.

    • Hi Craig!

      It’s great to hear from you! Thank you so much for attempting to brighten someone’s day. It will have an impact. I hope all is well and that you are keeping warm. Keep up the good work.

      All the best to you,

      Ross

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