As part of my series on acts of kindness, I wanted to share the impact of a simple yet meaningful gesture I experienced today when two of my neighbors kindly invited me to join them on one of their daily walks. At first glance, you might think that walking with your neighbors is all about the exercise. Sure, there are undeniable health benefits—walking is a low-impact cardiovascular activity that strengthens muscles, maintains joint flexibility, and boosts the immune system. But focusing solely on the “physical health lens” overlooks the deeper value and opportunity that a 60-minute walk with your neighbors can offer.

Throughout my life, I’ve always been naturally curious about the world around me. I remember once, as a child, disassembling a battery-operated train. My mother, understandably puzzled, asked, “Lisa, what are you doing? Why have you destroyed that train?” I replied confidently, “I’m not destroying it. I plan on putting it back together. I just wanted to see how it worked.”

This curiosity extends to people as well. I’m always eager to learn about how someone has arrived at their current stage in life. What stories lie just beneath the surface, waiting to be shared? To me, when someone is willing to open up and let you into their world, it’s a true gift. So, when my neighbors asked me to join them for a walk, I jumped at the chance. Both are around my age, married with children, and rich in life experiences. And fortunately for me, they are warm and kind individuals.

As we walked, we naturally began to share what was happening in our lives. One neighbor beamed with pride as she told us about her son’s recent engagement and how she was delighted to be included in the wedding planning by her future daughter-in-law. It was an unexpected joy for her, one she embraced wholeheartedly. My other neighbor had just returned from a summer vacation and shared stories of the wonderful places she visited. She also spoke of the joy of having her house full of family, with cousins playing and siblings catching up, making memories together.

Along the way, we encountered other neighbors also enjoying their morning walks. Each one smiled and said, “Good Morning!” Since moving to Georgia, I’ve been continuously amazed by how genuinely friendly people are here. In the Northeast, where I grew up, people rarely stop to exchange pleasantries. Not because they aren’t kind, but because life moves so fast that such small gestures often get lost in the rush. It’s a shame, really, because these brief interactions have become important to me. A simple “Good Morning” makes me feel seen and acknowledged. Here in Georgia, it’s not just a formality—it’s offered with enthusiasm and a genuine smile, much like greeting a friend. Sometimes it even leads to a short conversation about the weather or how well the Atlanta Braves are doing.

Can you imagine a world where everyone took the time to truly see each other and genuinely say, ‘Good Morning’? Or where a simple walk with a neighbor could one day blossom into a lasting friendship? What an incredible world it would be.

Why just imagine? Let’s make that world a reality. I challenge everyone reading this to say ‘Good Morning’ to someone new today or tomorrow—you never know where it may lead.

I’d like to end with a famous last line in Casablanca spoken by Humphrey Bogart’s character, Rick Blaine. He says to Captain Louis Renault, played by Claude Rains:

“Louis, I think this is the beginning of a beautiful friendship.”