When the Smallest Thing You "Do" Becomes... The Biggest Thing They Remember
Apr 11, 2025
"The Glow That Stays"
Inspired by a real-life conversation and a tiny bird with a mighty heart.
When I asked Mae how long she’d been there, she answered without hesitation.
“Fifteen-plus years. And loving it.”
That’s longer than her nephew’s been alive, he’s 14 now.
So yes, she’s been here for a while.
But what struck me wasn’t just the years. It was the way she used them.
In that time, Mae didn’t just serve coffee.
She served connection.
I watched her recognize faces, recall names, remember sandwich orders from days ago, and, just as effortlessly, suggest a donut to someone who needed a little extra sweetness that morning.
She notices. She remembers. She cares.
And when I asked if she’s always been this way, she said yes. But the story beneath her smile revealed something deeper.
Mae didn’t grow up with warmth. Her father was strict—harsh, even. And in a moment of rare vulnerability, she told me something powerful.
“It stops there,” she said.
“I don’t want to treat people the way I was treated. I want to be the opposite.”
That choice? That’s courage.
That’s someone deciding to radiate kindness in a world that didn’t always offer it to her.
It reminded me of the story of the hummingbird in the forest.
When a massive fire broke out, all the animals fled.
They stood by, helpless, watching the flames destroy their home. But one small hummingbird flew back and forth, carrying droplets of water in her beak.
The others mocked her.
“What are you doing? You’ll never stop the fire!”
But she simply replied,
“I’m doing what I can.”
Mae is that hummingbird.
While others go through the motions, she pours light into the everyday.
While most people don’t... she does.
- She greets people who are overlooked
- She uplifts those who are weary from travel
- She protects her own glow because she knows
Even if others try to dim her light, it’s her choice to shine.
Most people don’t take the time to remember your order
Most people don’t greet you with joy at 7:12 AM
Most people don’t offer a piece of their heart in a coffee cup
But Mae Mae does.
Because kindness isn’t just what she does, it’s who she chooses to be.
Every week I have conversations with successful leaders that share powerful stories, practical insights, and motivational lessons to help you lead better and enjoy a more meaningful and impactful life.
You can find the podcast on all major platforms like Apple, Spotify, and my website, mostpeopledont.com.
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It’s another great one. 🎧
