This past week I spoke at Texas Christian University in Fort Worth and the University of Cincinnati and in between got to spend a few days with my parents in my hometown of Dallas. While there, I was struck by the level of southern hospitality I experienced. Even though I grew up there, I often forget just how friendly Texans can be.

My mom and I went shopping one day and every store we walked into was full of extremely kind sales people who seemed to pop up every five minutes and ask us if we needed help. We went to Starbucks and a gentleman insisted we go in front of him for absolutely no reason at all. The TSA employees at the airport in Dallas made conversation with me and helped me lift my luggage onto the X ray belt. People there make delightful small talk and say things like “Bless Your Heart” to perfect strangers – and mean it!

After living in LA for the past twelve years, perhaps I have gotten used to a bit of a “big city edge.” Although LA is supposedly the city of angels, the crowds, high cost of living, and never-ending traffic does not always inspire the most angelic of behaviors. Don’t get me wrong, I love LA and have met many kind and generous people here. But I think everyone everywhere could benefit from some southern hospitality.

I write this UPdate on the plane back from Dallas with the intention of spreading some southern charm and I invite you to do the same – especially if you live in a big hustle and bustle kind of city! Slow down, take time to look people in the eyes and genuinely ask how they are doing, make friendly small talk with a stranger, allow someone to go in front of you in line, or try saying to someone that seems like they could use it “Bless Your Heart” – and if you can say it with a bit of a Texas twang, even better!

There is indeed kindness and hospitality everywhere, just put a little love in your heart (country style of course) and open yourself up to the friendliness of the Universe.

Fondly,
Christine

“Kindness is a language which the deaf can hear
and the and the blind can see.”
Mark Twain