Kindness Ambassadors Wanted

You can be one, too

“What's your name?” I asked this simple question as we checked in for my husband’s medical appointment this morning.

The receptionist’s face tightened with anxiety. “Is something wrong?” she asked, her body language shifting to defensive.

It wasn’t the first time I was witnessing this reaction to a simple question.

Such a sad commentary on our society, isn’t it? We’ve created a world where service workers — whether in healthcare, retail, or restaurants — brace themselves for criticism when someone pays attention to them as individuals. Their nameplates, meant to foster connection, have become warning signs of impending complaints.

Think about all the people who touch our lives daily — from shopping cart haulers to custodians, delivery drivers to baristas, each one usually unseen.

These individuals work tirelessly, often invisible in plain sight, without any expectation of recognition, let alone appreciation.

I am trying to flip the script. But I am just one person.

If you’re reading this and resonating with my words, I ask you to take a moment the next time you interact with someone in the service industry:

• Learn their names — not to complain, but to thank.

• Write them a note, even if it’s on a post-it.

• Give them a handcrafted token of appreciation if you can.

• If nothing else, see them as human — they're someone’s parent, grandparent, sibling, child.

One note of gratitude can sustain someone through their most challenging days, reminding them that their work, their presence, their care – it all matters.

I’ve witnessed the ripple effect of these tiny moments of connection, these little tokens of appreciation, these small gestures that make a person feel seen.

Months later, I’ll receive emails from people telling me they still carry my token in their wallet. I’ve seen these simple gifts proudly displayed on staff bulletin boards, tucked into books as cherished bookmarks.

These aren’t just pieces of art... they’re moments of connection that become part of someone’s story.

Can we reimagine a world where asking someone’s name becomes an opening for connection rather than confrontation?

Can we create experiences where being noticed brings joy instead of dread?

It starts with us. One genuine thank you. One moment of true seeing. One small gesture of appreciation at a time.

Will you join me?