I drive a two-mile circuit to get my children to their respective schools. On a typical morning, I’ll exchange smiles and waves with about eight people — a mix of other parents driving cars, school employees, and pedestrians.

Most of these people I know by name — and they know me — but some I only know because we regularly wave in passing.

I’m grateful for these small, friendly interactions. They cost nothing and require minimal effort — yet I’m convinced they have a positive impact … even if just for a short while.

But secretly, I think they have a greater, lasting effect.

We create the culture, little by little, by what we do each day.