The smallest gestures go a long way
Photo by Flickr user sebastiansuk.de // pitlanepics.de
BART rider Anya has this diary to share:
So BART had some serious rush-hour delays this morning. So when I got to Civic Center there was a mass of people waiting, already looking frustrated. The Pittsburg/Bay Point train pulls up LOADED with people. Naturally, when the door opens, it’s a typical battle to wrestle yourself into the train. Everyone is even more agitated and pissed.
Once we get to Powell, before the doors open, the train conductor says something to the extent of “sorry to have to start your day this way folks but look on the bright side — it’s a beautiful day outside. Forget about us and have a good rest of your day.” Everyone immediately lit up in smiles (as jam-packed as we were) and a few people chuckled.
Moral of the story: even the smallest gesture goes a long way on days like that. Thank you to that train conductor for being so positive! And to the other drivers — please try to stay positive and cheerful on the crappy days…. your words go a long way to make everyone else snap out of their angry commuter modes.
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Speaking of small gestures —
There is a BART employee at Montgomery station who holds up signs saying “SMILE!” at the top of the escalators. The signs are usually different each day, but the theme is the same. Anyone else seen him? He certainly brightens my day, and I’m sure a lot of other people’s days, too!