EDITORIAL: Shirley, we can change the world

Here’s an Rx not just for whatever ails you, but for what ails modern society.

It’s not an expensive pill or cheap snake oil.

This blood-pressure lowering, acid-suppressing prescription comes from a former longtime Hayden Lake resident and community do-gooder now residing in the Peach State, which is peachy for Georgians but the pits for all the North Idahoans who miss her.

The prescription comes from Shirley Thagard, and it starts with reminders like the little gold plaque posted above her wet bar.

“‘Twas a woman who led me down the road to drink,” the sign says. “I never wrote to thank her.” — W.C. Fields

In other words, begin with a grin whenever you can.

Next, stop thinking about yourself for a while. That isn’t meant disrespectfully or judgmentally. It’s merely an observation that most of us are so wrapped up in what makes us angry or otherwise unhappy that we’re often surrounded by and consumed with self-inflicted negativity.

Pop outside yourself Shirley's way.

As you encounter people during the day, find a way to compliment three of them.

“I love your red hair,” Shirley says to a young girl walking past her at a downtown festival.

The child is stunned — and then like a little sunrise, a grin spreads across her face.

“Thank you!,” says her mom.

Simple as that. And almost every day, except those when Shirley doesn’t get out, she compliments three people.

The magic is contagious, because it not only immediately improves the mood of whomever crosses Shirley’s compassionate path, but because it also brings joy to Shirley.

Consider it a cousin to paying it forward, which costs you a little money to make someone’s day in a big way — and ends up making you feel even more lucky or blessed than the recipient of your anonymous gift.

Try it. Set a goal of three legitimate compliments a day, and see what happens. Shirley says not once has anyone objected or snapped back.

If you think about times someone has unexpectedly given you a lift, even if it’s just a smile, a friendly nod or allowing you room to pull in front of them in congested traffic, you’ll realize that you already know lots of these little kind gestures could add up to changing the world.

And right now, our world could use some positive change.