Lessons in Civility: A Tale from a Conference

Dear friends, I hope this message finds you well. Today, I’d like to share a story from my past, a lesson in civility that I learned while attending a conference. It’s a tale that I hope will inspire you to always treat others with respect and kindness, no matter the circumstances.

The Conference

Many moons ago, I found myself at a large conference, surrounded by people from all walks of life. The air was thick with anticipation and the hum of conversation filled the room. I was there to learn, to network, and to share my own experiences.

The Encounter

As I was making my way through the crowd, I bumped into a young man. He was clearly flustered, his face flushed with embarrassment. Instead of apologizing, he lashed out at me, his words sharp and unkind.

Now, I could have responded in kind. I could have let his rudeness ruin my day. But I chose a different path. I chose civility.

The Lesson

I looked at the young man and, with a smile, I apologized for bumping into him. I asked if he was alright and offered to buy him a cup of coffee. His anger quickly faded, replaced by surprise and then gratitude.

That day, I learned a valuable lesson. Civility is not just about being polite. It’s about treating others with respect, even when they don’t extend the same courtesy to you. It’s about rising above the negativity and choosing to be the bigger person.

So, my friends, I urge you to practice civility in your daily lives. Treat others with kindness and respect, even when it’s hard. You never know how much of a difference it can make.

Until next time, remember: the world is a little bit better when we treat each other well.

Yours in wisdom,

Kev