MTA Worker Rodney Smith Spreads Positivity and Kindness at 86th Street Subway Station

A Beacon of Positivity Underground

• 💡 At 71 years old, Rodney Smith is a source of joy and human connection for commuters at the 86th Street subway station.
• 🎯 He has been greeting passengers since 2022, offering a moment of warmth during the rush hour commute.

Smith's Philosophy on Happiness

• 🧠 Smith believes that happiness is an inside job, emphasizing personal choice in maintaining a positive outlook regardless of life's challenges.
• ✨ He actively chooses to be happy and spread joy, a deliberate contrast to the often serious atmosphere of city life.

Beyond Greetings: Helping Commuters

• 🤝 In addition to warm greetings, Smith assists tourists and commuters with navigating the subway system, particularly with using the payment machines.
• 💬 Commuters describe him as first-class, friendly, and motivational, appreciating his positive vibe.

Finding Purpose and Energy

• 🚀 After leaving the booth post-pandemic, Smith found renewed energy and a sense of purpose by interacting directly with customers.
• 👨‍👧‍👦 Despite his daughters encouraging retirement, Smith feels energized and wants to continue working, stating he has "this energy" and likes waking up with a self sense of purpose.

The Power of Kindness

• ❤️ Smith's simple yet profound mission is to encourage everyone to be kind and to "sprinkle that stuff all over us."
• 🌟 He lives by the belief that kindness is free, transforming the daily commute into moments of connection.