I recently shared a story from prison with my heart-letter readers. The response was so positive that I'll share here, too…

C. is a black man from Milwaukee. He’s been incarcerated for 10 years.

I’ve known him for 5 years. He’s a regular in our mindfulness group. The insights he shares are honest, humble, and kind.

There’s a strong, tall, white man who lives on his unit. The guy has swastikas tattooed on his face.

One day, C. moved past the other man and said “excuse me” as their shoulders brushed.

Another morning, C. said “good morning” as they stood together looking at food menus.

Eventually, this man began speaking to C., sometimes sitting at his table for a meal.

Through these tentative conversations, C. learned he’s the first black person this man ever interacted with.

The man grew up in a small northern Wisconsin town. He was steeped in white supremacy.

He said to C.: “Talking with you is hard because it makes me question everything I grew up with. I like you! How can I go back to that same town when I’m released?”

C. also gained perspective. He always wondered: How can people be so racist?

Now he sees how it can happen. If it’s all you know, it’s how you act.

The beauty of this story is that C. didn’t try to change this guy. He didn’t see the swastikas and think, “I’m going to turn him around.”

Instead, C. chose to extend basic kindness. Excuse me, good morning, thank you.

These polite words are what drew in the other man. Kindness opened a window to conversation.

Conversation led to unlikely friendship. And this friendship shifted a long-standing viewpoint.

Our actions ripple outward in ways we cannot know.

A simple smile or “thank you” or offer to help can change the tone of a person’s day. And that shift can lead to bigger and broader change.

You are a light for someone. You are a light for people you don’t even know.

Keep showing up each day with an open mind and heart.

Be real, be brave, be you!

PS: If you want to hear more of these stories, sign up for my heart-letter.