Footloose and Filter-Free

"I can't believe you said that!" is a phrase I've heard from friends and family more times than I can count. I don't have much of a filter and say whatever pops into my mind more often than not. I do so because I know my intention is never malicious or hurtful, but rather of love and a general fondness of my fellow humans.

I try to see the good in the world as much as possible and live for small talk with strangers and loved ones alike. That being said, there have been many a time I've had my foot in my mouth and cringed at some of the words that flew out before I could catch them--not because I said something mean, more so comically cringe-worthy or inappropriate, like the time I told a revered physician that I was "just busting [his] balls" (see, totally cringe-worthy!) I may have the best intentions in the world, yet not all thoughts are necessary to share, I get it.

But then there was the other day when I was checking out at Target. My day hadn't been going so well and my energy was running low. A cashier's job at any kind of grocery store can often be a mundane, thankless job where it becomes easy to just go through the motions. My cashier that day happened to be a quiet, middle-aged woman who kept her head down for the most part. As I watched her scan my items and bag them I noticed that she was thoughtfully grouping my items and carefully placing them in a tactful manor. She took pride in her job and deserved a shout-out. So without even thinking I blurted out "I really appreciate your thoughtful bagging."

Her face sprung up and her eyes had a sudden twinkle in them. "Thank you," she gasped, " I was hoping someone would say that!"

Wow. Something so minuscule had transformed the energy of two people. One tiny thought now had us both smiling ear-to-ear. My lack of a filter was able to make someone feel valued and her small happiness in turn brightened up my whole day.  

In that very moment I realized it is far better to continue a life with less of a filter and risk a little embarrassment than to filter myself more and miss out on opportunities to make someone smile. So filter-free I shall remain.