The way we talk to each other, the way we drive, the way we work... these things matter. We behave as if they don't, but in day-to-day life, I can think of nothing more important than to do these little things really well.

They have a cumulative effect and they spread like a virus. There was a television commercial once that followed a smile that traveled through about 12-15 people in a 30 second spot. The first person smiled and opened a door for the second, who a few moments later handing the dropped glove to a third, and so on. The viral spread of good will toward man. That's actually how quality and attention spread as well.

When I observe someone doing a really good job -- say a waitress or someone behind a counter somewhere -- I instinctively want to do the same. It makes me want to do a better job at whatever it is I'm doing. To really concentrate on it in the moment and to move swiftly and efficiently with a good spirit.

We don't all get the opportunity to have the world stage -- to be a good politician or religious leader. Most of us have to contend with being good brothers, sisters, parents, children, employees, managers, etc. But if we act as if doing these things well is unimportant day-to-day and moment-to-moment, we never truly live.

Time to start living. Time to turn life into one eternal tea ceremony. It beats the heck out of waiting to hit the lottery, for the kids to grow up, or to get promoted in order to start living. And if enough people get infected, who knows what will happen.