Tucked away in our homes, viewing life through a computer, TV screen or window, we may not be as aware that there are many inspiring acts of kindness being performed every day and that we can still be active participants. In the middle of the night, I awoke and thought, “I’m going to look on FB and see what I can find about kindness.” The first thing that I read was from a friend, Louise Aveni, who experienced an anonymous act of kindness in Sarasota, Fl. and has decided to pass it on. It was a great start!
“Yesterday I got a surprise gift from Some Sweet Soul who put a dollar bill inside one of the items I purchased at the grocery store. I was so inspired by this generosity that I decided to pay-it-forward. And so today I will go to a store of my choosing and place this $5 bill in something that I feel will be of use to some individual. Doesn’t matter the amount, just the gesture alone means so much. It’s a feel-good thing for sure!” -Louise
We never know what a difficult time someone is going through nor how they might be touched by a simple kind word or deed:
MK shares her experience: “It was the morning I was furloughed from my consulting job with a hospital. Even though I expected it, I was a little bit in shock. As I was driving, I got pulled over for going 10 over. The first act of kindness was from the officer who saw my hospital badge. He asked if I worked there and I said I had just been furloughed. He said he was sorry and only gave me a warning. I drove away shaking and decided to go to Starbucks to pick up my son’s favorite latte. As I handed the barista my card through the window she said, ‘The person in front of you paid for it.’ My second act of kindness on that hard day. I gave her a tip and drove away with tears of gratitude on my cheeks for that sweet stranger.”
I wanted to know what people are doing to be kind or how they are experiencing the kindness of others, so I sent an email to friends asking for examples:
GIFT of LIFE and HEALTH:
What could be greater than giving someone the gift of life, an extension of time with loved ones, an opportunity to fulfill a need, or to leave a legacy?
Tom Hobin, a caring friend from Colorado, now living in Rhode Island, didn’t think twice about donating his left kidney to his step daughter’s father in-law, Doug. Tom says, “I’m grateful all went well. I’m no hero. It was just the right time to do the right thing.” At the time, Tom thought, “He needed one. I’ve got one.” And ironically, they share more than a kidney now. Four days after the surgery, both became a grandfather to baby Cody. And at 62, the year his own dad died, Tom finds it a slower recovery, but he remembers his dad’s motto, “In life, you try to do the best you can with what you have.” Tom’s dad would be proud!
COMMUNITY SHARING:
My dear friend, Paula Montana, in Loveland, Colorado shared, “Some folks in my neighborhood got together to offer free soup and pie to anyone who wanted it on the day before Thanksgiving. Also, on NextDoor.com, neighbors are constantly offering to help others. It seems that the hardships we’re all witnessing are bringing out compassion in many.”
LITTLE FREE LIBRARY: I love the LFL’s that are showing up in communities, where neighbors or passers-by can pick up or drop off a book to share. The 10 members of AWG (Awesome Women’s Group) of Sarasota not only built and serviced 3 free libraries in their neighborhoods for a few years, but they recently pooled their money to purchase a bright blue, durable model to be placed at SOAR Learning Center, a community-based K-3 after-school program. Now kids of all ages, their parents and anyone in their Newtown Community will have easy access to a new source of quality reading materials.
MESSAGES of LOVE and APPRECIATION: We long to see and be with our loved ones and friends. Sometimes a loving phone call, card or email may be the best way we have to express our caring.
My 93-year-old Aunt Pepine, who lives several states away, is mostly confined in her third-floor walk-up apartment, relying on the kindness of her nephew Ronny to bring her groceries. I sent her a loving card and picture followed up by a phone call a few days later. It was wonderful knowing how much the connection meant to both of us.
KINDNESS to YOURSELF: Let’s not forget to be kind to ourselves during these difficult times. For me, it’s going out for a walk, in nature every day, alone or with a friend. And there is nothing like hugging a tree to feel good. 😊
We are all in need of a little extra kindness these days and we are the perfect ones to gift it to each other. How can we touch someone’s life today?
Wishing you and your loved ones a healthy, peace-filled and heart centered holiday.
Blessings,
Let’s create an online Kindness Community, sharing the ways that we are experiencing love and kindness in our lives.
What are your favorite ways to express your kindness?
You can reply to this email or on Facebook.
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Love all these stories. Thanks for sharing this article Linda!