The Dakotas and Montana are dotted with small towns and little villages.
Much of my life consists of driving to and through many of them.
And you would not believe the speed limits.
I could take you to several that have a speed limit of 10 and 15 mph! 25 mph is the norm.
Sometimes I feel like getting out and walking, I believe I could get through town faster…but then I wouldn’t have my van to continue the journey.
And to make matters worse, most of those towns have flashing radar signs (I’m sure there’s a better name for them) warning you, commanding you, shouting at you, nagging you (you get the picture) to SLOW DOWN!!!
It is so uninviting and unwelcoming.
But then I came to a little town with a flashing radar sign that simply said, “Thank you for slowing down.”
“Thank you for slowing down.”
The difference was amazing. I wanted to slow down for those people.
Kindness changed everything.
I get speed limits, rules, regulations, and restrictions. In the immortal words of John Donne, “No man is an island.” We’ve got to have limits to protect and interact with one another.
But what a difference when a little kindness and respect is thrown in.
Here’s another example of slowing down to be kind…
I am writing this blog in a hotel room while on yet another trip. A moment ago I went to refill my coffee mug. I noticed a couple making their way to the door to check out and continue their journey.
When they got to the lobby, the man paused a moment, stacked his luggage against the wall, and stepped into the breakfast area. I heard him graciously thank the lady who was in charge of the preparing and serving breakfast. And then he gathered up his luggage and headed for the door.
I can’t speak for the lady who was working in the kitchen, but I know how that act of kindness would have made me feel.
And all it took was taking a moment to slow down.
The ONE THING for today: Slow down today because you want to…want to have the time to practice kindness. It may make the journey a little longer, but it will certainly make it a lot more meaningful and fulfilling.
The ONE THING 
👍☺️
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Reblogged this on The ONE THING and commented:
Since moving to Illinois traveling is still a part of my daily and weekly life. The difference from my travels in the Dakotas and Montana is that the “little” towns are much larger and much closer but the speed limits are still much the same.
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