Impact Of A Soul To A Soul From A Soul

I went with my mum, sis n cousin sister to Petaling Street today. It’s the first day of Hari Raya and it was most crowded with foreigners and foreign workers because it’s a public holiday. Come to think of it, it’s been ages since I stepped foot in Petaling Street, I guess its like 3 years? Or more? The last time I was there they still did not have the nice street, roof and the big and grand entrance. But one thing has not changed, that is the hustle and bustle of Petaling Street is still there, full of people, full of shops and stalls, and this time they even put tables in the middle of the nicely paved road, a difference since my last visit ages ago.
Actually today made me feel good, not that I got time to go out or I was able to go out with my mum (which I always go out with her every weekend), but something happened at the parking lot. We finished our business and headed back to the car. Got in, revved up the engine and headed to the booth to pay the damage for the parking. The cashier was a malay guy and he looked a bit discontented, may be having to work even though it was Hari Raya. I paid and got my changed and I said “thank you” with a smile. Instantly I could see a change in his facial expression, from a discontented soul to a smiley, contented, relieved expression. He was like waved his hand a bit, kinda like a brotherly gesture. I felt his feelings at that moment and I smiled. I guess it’s the petty little word that made him feel good or happy?
I have been trying to develop this little habit where I say “thank you” to booth operators, tool operators, parking attendant, and so forth. But if guessed you already know, I am only human, I have feelings, I have emotions, and that is the main reason why I did not do it all the time. But mind you, I have in many encounters saw happy faces from sour plums as the result of the two simple word “thank you”.
What makes these two little words so powerful when they are still getting paid to do the work they do? Like me, I have been known to work from 2 in the morning until 6 in the evening or even longer durations with little rest, but it’s a duty, I can carry it out with a happy attitude or not. But when there are words of appreciation of what we have done, the pain from the restless and sleepless time just flew out the window. It’s a personal experience, but I guess many of you out there have done this before and may be more has felt what I have felt before in these situations.
We have always taken things for granted, we don’t say thank you to those dearest to us. When was the last time you said “thank you” to your mum when she made breakfast, lunch or dinner? I don’t. When was the last time you said “thank you” to your dad when he brings you out to eat, holidays or shopping? I don’t. When was the last time you said “thank you” to your siblings when they lied for you, fetched you to places, or simply getting you a cup of plain water when asked for it? I don’t. I have always kept the two little words in heart, very stingy to use them when it comes to my loved ones, family, and relatives. But deep down in my heart, I really thank them a million for all the things they have done for me.
It is always the case where those not close to us gets all the attention and good things. All the “thank you” and so many other expressions that we use to show our gratitude and appreciation goes to everyone, even those we do not know, except our closest people in our life. I was brought up in that manner where these are seldom expressed within our home, but I know each and every time, we appreciate each other and it is most often shown in different ways. Where as our counterparts in the West are more towards expressing oneself freely. They are often known as too “open” in a lot of aspect and are often told to be a bad influence. But I admire their openness in some aspect. One of it is definitely expressing oneself to an extent. They treat their family members as friends, where conversation takes place easily and its like we chatting with friends. They do express gratitude of “thank you” when and where it is needed. This I admire as I have not been able to do it, and I guess it is present in a lot of people especially in this region where we have set foot in.
A simple two word phrase “thank you”, which does wonders to others and to us. Have you been using it lately? Have you used it wisely?

Thank You
A simple phrase to say, a magical word to others