For the past six months, I found myself carving a new path through San Diego’s winding neighborhoods, seeking both exercise and a fresh perspective. My favorite stretch quickly became a quiet street called La Cresta, where the city sprawls out below and the morning sun glimmers on glass porches high above. It was here, quite unexpectedly, that a simple daily ritual began to fill my heart with joy: a wave and a cheerful “Good Morning!” from a man perched on his porch, 50 yards up the hill.
At first, it was just a pleasant exchange—a neighborly gesture, a shared acknowledgment of the day’s beginning. But as the days turned into weeks, and the weeks into months, I realized how much I looked forward to that moment. Rounding the corner, I’d glance up, searching for his silhouette against the morning light. When I spotted him, his enthusiastic wave and booming greeting seemed to echo across the city, reaching me not just physically, but emotionally. It was as if, in that brief encounter, we were both reminded that we mattered, that we were seen.
Then, one morning, he wasn’t there.
I told myself it was nothing—perhaps he was running late, or had an early appointment. But the next day, and the day after, his absence became a quiet ache. I felt a surprising emptiness, a void where his daily affirmation had once been. It was then I realized how deeply that simple gesture had rooted itself in my soul.
Why did it matter so much? Because, as human beings, we are wired for connection. The smallest acts of kindness—a wave, a smile, a “Good Morning!”—are not trivial. They are tiny threads that weave us into the fabric of our community, reminders that we are not alone in this vast, busy world. The consistency of these positive reinforcements, day after day, builds a sense of belonging and hope.
When that thread is suddenly missing, we feel its absence acutely. The loss of my porch friend’s greeting was a gentle but powerful reminder: the little positive things in our lives are not little at all. They are the quiet rituals that anchor us, the sparks that brighten our days, the proof that kindness, even from a distance, can be transformative.
In a world that often feels rushed and disconnected, these moments matter more than ever. They remind us to slow down, to notice each other, to value the simple exchanges that make life richer. Whether you’re the one waving from the porch, or the one receiving the greeting, you are participating in something profound.
So, if you have a chance today—smile at a stranger, wave to a neighbor, say “Good Morning!” with genuine warmth. You never know whose soul you might touch, or how much your small act of kindness might mean. The man on the porch taught me that, and I hope to pass it on, one greeting at a time.