Ripple Rewind: Manners Will Take You Far

Hard to believe this post was originally published in February 2008 when my now, high school freshman, was still in pre-k. Crazy how time flies!

I revisit this because I just booked a speaking gig with someone that remembered this post. They told me how much they appreciated it then and still do now. To the point they've stayed up with me all these years, thanks in part to that post,  just knowing that someday they'd be in a position to say THANK YOU (talk about manners!) and hire me for something. This week they hired me for a keynote for a corporate event they have coming up later this year.

Just proof, The Ripples may go far and wide but they always come back to you.

My youngest son Josh came home the other night armed with something for his older brother Zachary. I am not exactly sure of the circumstances as to why Josh extended this advice to his big brother (surely it was on the heels of being picked on which is the older brother/younger brother daily drama) but it was certainly something that was memorable."Zach Miss Dee Dee says that bad manners will take you nowhere. But good manners, well Zach they can take you far."For the entire weekend, we had the pleasure of Josh repeating his newly learned pearls of wisdom over and over. But it was more than just a quote that he had learned from his amazing pre-k teacher. It was how he delivered it that continues to warm my heart this morning. He says it with absolute conviction and he means it. So much so that when he found himself being a little rude to his mom yesterday he caught himself and said sorry and then proceeded to repeat the phrase.

Though for his brother the advice likely went in one ear and out the other, it wasn't lost on me. It just reminds me that no matter the circumstances, if there are other people around, you should always remember your manners. You just have no idea what doors politeness might open for you.

Thanks, Miss Dee Dee for creating an unbelievable Ripple for Joshua. I can assure you he has taken it to heart as have I.

I hope those of you who read this will too!

Ripple On!!!