The Power of a Name: How a Simple Encounter Sparked Joy at the Supermarket
- Lola Adeosun
- Apr 15
- 3 min read
A Name, A Smile, and a Moment of Kindness
You’re never too far from an opportunity to show a little kindness. Whether it’s holding the door for someone, complimenting a stranger, or simply sharing a warm smile—life gives us endless chances to brighten someone’s day.
But sometimes, kindness finds you in the most unexpected ways.
The other day, I had one of those feel-good moments that stick with you, not because of some grand gesture, but because of something wonderfully ordinary—yet deeply meaningful. It happened at the supermarket checkout. Yep, right there between bags of groceries and the whirring beep of the scanner.
The Power of a Name
I noticed the cashier was around my age. But what caught my attention even more than her warm demeanor was the name on her badge.
She was my namesake.
Now, I don’t know about you, but there’s something special about meeting someone who shares your name. There’s an instant connection, like finding a thread between two lives that were strangers just seconds ago.
So I said it—“Hey! That’s my name too.”
Her face lit up instantly. A beaming grin spread across her cheeks as if I’d just handed her a gift. The air shifted. We weren’t just two people in a checkout lane anymore. In that moment, we were connected—by name, kindness, and shared joy in something so simple.
We chatted easily as she scanned my items, laughing like old friends catching up. And just before I left, I gave her a high five and said, “Bye namesake!”
If someone had walked by, they probably would've thought we were lifelong buddies who happened to run into each other.
But here’s the thing: we weren’t. We were just two people who shared a name—and a moment.
Joy is Contagious (Even at the Supermarket)
I walked out of that supermarket with a big ol' smile on my face. And let’s be honest, who smiles like that after spending that much on groceries? Someone might’ve thought I won a prize or scored a cart full of freebies.
As I glanced back, I saw her still smiling—now at the next customer in line. That moment of connection had done more than just make my day—it had spread. And who knows how far that smile travelled?
What Will You Notice Today?
Have you had a moment like this lately?
Maybe you’ve sat beside someone and admired their shoes or a piece of jewelry. Maybe you’ve wanted to say something but held back.
Here’s your nudge: say it. Give that compliment. Make that connection. Spark that joy.
Because kindness doesn’t just make their day—it transforms yours, too. And the ripple effects? They might just stretch farther than you could ever imagine.
Let’s make this interactive:
Have you ever experienced a moment like this?
What’s the kindest thing a stranger has done for you lately?
When was the last time you made someone smile?
Share your stories in the comments—I’d love to hear them.
This week, I challenge you to make one small connection with a stranger. Compliment their outfit. Say hello. Acknowledge something you notice. And then come back and tell us how it went.
Let’s spread kindness like confetti.
Let’s keep making Memriz together.
Seize the moment. Share the love. Spark a ripple of kindness today.
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