Do you remember how it feels when someone unexpectedly pays you a compliment or does something out of the blue that evokes a stirring of love and joy within your heart? An action that suddenly makes problems turn into possibilities? Through acts of kindness we find that no matter how much pain others have inflicted on us, goodness is still possible, compassion exists, that there is joy in being considerate of someone else.
When we extend ourself to others, we can be reminded of how inter-twined our lives are linked and how a generous, gracious deed has the power to transform. For when we show kindness to others, we become the benefactors of our own love and care.
This past year has reminded us of what a simple act of kindness can achieve. Take the time this year to share kindness with someone. It doesn’t take much, to bring a little joy into the life of another person. Know that by sending your compassion into the world, your efforts can absolutely change one person….who can change another…who can change another.
10 ACTS OF KINDNESS YOU CAN DO TODAY
1) Say “Good morning” to the person standing next to you.
2) Hold the door open for someone.
3) Say “please” and “thank you” and really mean it.
4) Give someone your seat on the bus.
5) Put your shopping cart back in its place.
6) Leave a generous tip for a waiter or waitress.
7) Let a fellow driver merge into your lane.
8) Help a mother carry her baby stroller or other bags.
9) Offer change when the person in front of you at the
register comes up short.
10) Ask someone “How are you doing!” – and then really
listen to their response.
A TENDER MOMENT
I would like to share with you a situation that happened to me while shopping for groceries on the weekend before Thanksgiving. It demonstrates that through an act of kindness you have the power to choose and to change
any situation.
It was a hectic weekend as people prepared for the upcoming holiday. I was in my local grocery store shopping when I became aware of a mother with a small boy going down the aisle in the opposite direction. She barely noticed me because she was furious with her child, who seemed focused on throwing a tantrum. As the mother became more frustrated and started to yell, the child became even more intent on acting out his aggression. Eventually, the mother was yelling and pulling this small child around like a rag doll. It was becoming a scene for everyone in the grocery store to notice.
At this point I decided to speak up. Gutsy huh! Who am I to address this situation? I have no children, I’m not trained in child psychology, but I do know that kindness will always create harmony. I approached the young mother and said,” It’s really hard sometimes huh? Is there anything I can do to help? How old is he? The woman answered “3.” I went on to say, “I have two nieces that age and that I have found them to have unlimited energy and to be very curious. Personally, I have a hard time keeping up with them.” I went on to say, “he seems very intelligent for his age, I can’t image how it is for a kid in a grocery store, where there are so many colors, packages and things to explore.”
By this time the boy had settled down, the mother had stopped yelling and with a proud demeanor, she gently brushed back hair that had fallen over his face. “Yes, he’s very smart and curious, and he wears me out,” she replied. I responded sympathetically, “They can do that, children are full of energy, I don’t know where they get it all. In my opinion motherhood is highly underrated, it’s a lot of work and responsibility.
As I walked away, I noticed the mother talking to her son in a much calmer tone. She spoke to him kindly and told him they would soon be home. She would make him dinner, and he could play with dad.
Kindness can take an anxious, chaotic, angry situation and diffuse it. If you don’t have the NEED to be right, to correct someone else’s behavior or punish them for what has occurred, you ultimately will achieve harmony. By staying open minded and sharing tenderness in the face of anger your life will be enriched with peace.
ILLUMINATIONS
Throughout this year lets all make a commitment to focus on the positive instead of the negative. To create harmony where there is chaos, to find the little things throughout your day for which you are grateful: a meal, a parking space, sunshine, a smile or hug. Nurture and pamper yourself, as well as others and remember that among the most treasured presents you can offer anyone is your love and genuine appreciation. It takes so little to boost someone else’s mood or enhance their day and by doing so; you enrich your own.
Enjoy a Safe, Blessed and Joyous New Year Barbara, Rob
