“Wherever there is a human being, there is an opportunity for a kindness.” ~ Seneca
I was reading a recent article about kindness, by Mark over at Mark Salinas, MN. An article about the importance of being kind to one another. And this reminded me of a story that happened to me a few years ago.
Lunch…Or Maybe Not
My wife and I. Three small children. Saturday morning. Doing yard work. Playing games.
Lunch time. Let’s go out . No cash, but credit card in hand, we drive over to the local sub shop.
Sandwiches ordered, we get to the cashier. I hand her my credit card. She runs it through the machine. Nothing. Try again. Nothing.
The credit card machine is broken. It’s cash or nothing. And all we have is our credit card. No cash.
And then…
The woman in line behind us offers to pay for our sandwiches. She doesn’t know us. She is not concerned about getting her $15 back. She just genuinely is glad to help. Kindness. In unexpected ways.
Kindness happens everyday. So what makes this story unique or special? It’s special because it affected me in a way that was worth much more than the extra money somebody spent on my family. It’s special because not everyone would have done that. It’s special because I left the restaurant that day feeling a renewed sense of hope in our world. And the good that exists. It’s special because, even though kindness happens everyday, it doesn’t always happen.
The wonderful thing about kindness is that when we give this gift to others, those others often pass this gift on to someone else. It’s a gift that keeps on giving. Our one small act can really lead to many small acts of kindness. And many small acts of kindness, collectively, lead to world where we all treat each other as we would want to be treated. A world filled with love.
What can you do today to shed a little kindness in your world? It doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t just have to be with your money. It can be with your time. It can be with others skills you have to offer. Look for opportunities to spread the kindness bug. Let’s all make this world a kinder place, one small act at a time.
Wow! I can see how that act was so touching…very thoughtful of her!
You put it into perfect words.…
“What can you do today to shed a little kindness in your world? It doesn’t have to be big. It doesn’t just have to be with your money. It can be with your time. It can be with others skills you have to offer. Look for opportunities to spread the kindness bug. Let’s all make this world a kinder place, one small act at a time.”
Every act of kindness is a move in a good direction!
Thank you for sharing that wonderful part of your journey. I also appreciate the mention! Fantastic post!
Mark Salinass last blog post..Daily Life Challenge
Wonderful post! I’ve experienced this kindness from time to time in lesser amount, but nonetheless, it had a big impact on me, and I also make sure to do the same when the situation presents itself…
Lance,
I have a post coming up about this in the near future but I’ll share my secret with you here since you posted, I have a thing I call the Five Fingers of Kindness. Simple really. I just tap my fingers against my side or a table or anything really and anytime I am getting frustrated, self-absorbed, angry or whatever I try and think of what I can do for someone else. I try to do at least five things a day. I keep track of them on my fingers. So I know what finger I am up to on the kindness meter. Wouldn’t you know it– the most frustrating days, the lower the finger count…the better the day, the higher the count. If I want to turn around a day, I start really focusing on the Five Fingers of Kindness and really try to get them all in and maybe even more and surprise! The day turns right around!
Wendi Kelly-Life’s Little Inspirationss last blog post..Tealights and Time
Hey Lance. Well, today I am heading to the school to volunteer in the library with the grabby head librarian. Everybody is dropping off of the volunteer list because of her “mood” swings. So, my act of kindness is going to the school and trying to be her friend. She was not like this a couple of years ago. I just feel she needs someone.
The experience you mentioned in line was a very heartfelt act of kindness. You are right.…she did not have to do that. It made an impression on you and you in turn shared the story. You made a difference by encouraging others to do the same.
Tammy Warrens last blog post..My “wound” heart
That is so refreshing to hear that there are people like that out there in the world, willing to help for nothing in return. Even just reading about her action from hundreds of miles away makes me want to spread the kindness.
- Jack Rugile
Simple Sapien
Simple Sapiens last blog post..Simple Serving: Link Love #2
I read that entry too. Its so mice to read two entries like this espically when the world seems so mean lately
Suzies last blog post..And On and On It Goes
Amen to that. I see a lot of blogs telling to us be outstanding…we should live up to our potential and not be mediocre. That’s not my style. My aim is to keep my ego out of the way and make my little corner of the world more loving and friendly. It works for me.
Jean Browman–Cheerful Monks last blog post..Creating a Sacred Space
Wonderful story. Great for strangers to reach out to each other in kindness, and even more important for us to reach out in kindness to our family and friends!
Pink Inks last blog post..Rekindling the Magic
Your site is like a breath of fresh air!
One never knows the impact of their actions. Imagine … her act of kindness towards your family is now spreading … across the internet … into our hearts … to be turned into another lovely act of kindness.
Thanks for sharing!
Small Footprints
Small Footprintss last blog post..Phone Books
Hi Lance. That was very kind of that women. She fed you in more ways than one. Your statement, “a renewed sense of hope in our world” resonated with me.
Sometimes kindness can be as simple as striking up a friendly conversation with a stranger on the street.
The other day I passed a young woman walking and singing to her baby. She was singing over and over the word, “Shake, shake, shake… shake your booty,” from one of KC and the Sunshine Bands songs. Coincidentally I had just been listening to that song (on repeat) as I sashayed down the sidewalk “shaking my booty”. We had a fun conversation. She said her baby loves to be sung to. I told her another of my favourites is from Elvis, “A Little Less Conversation”. She knew it right away and started singing it as our paths separated.
Davinas last blog post..Free Spirit My Ass!
It’s all about the ripple effect. We toss our pebble and watch it spread.
Writer Dads last blog post..I Said Stop.
Kindness — I’m not sure why it’s so hard for people. My sense is we are living in this world based on “saving ourselves”. Especially now — sharing $20 with strangers to help them pay their lunch is something I suspect won’t happen all that often! How lovely that it happened to you. While I didn’t see the movie, isn’t that what Pay it Forward is about? I commented on Mark’s post, too, kindness is more than monetary, sometimes it’s just giving someone a pat on the back and saying “good job”. And not something to think about saying ‘Hmm, maybe today I will perform an act of kindness!” Just make it part of who you are! At least that’s how I see it.
Stacey Shipmans last blog post..Allowing Room for “No”…From Someone Else
“Three things in human life are important. The first is to be kind. The second is to be kind. And the third is to be kind.”
Henry James, to his nephew William James, as quoted in Leon Edel’s Henry James: A Life.
Wow Lance, thanks for that post! Loved the story. as good as you felt, I bet she felt even better from it.
This was thought provoking. Often we think that we have to do something big to make a difference, but that’s not so. I love the thought of how if we do something kind to someone else it keeps getting passed along. I just love that because it is so true and we can make a big difference that way.
I also LOVE Wendi’s Five Fingers of Kindness! That’s worth doing for sure!
Jennifers last blog post..I’m a Star!
Wow. Just look at the kind of discussion your post has spurred! Kindness is truly infectious.
I try to always remember to tell pregnant women and moms how good they look and how well they are doing. I had a really hard second pregnancy and I know how much difference a few kind words can make.
Mayas last blog post..The key to happiness and balance is right with you, just learn to use it — Part 1 of the thinkmaya framework
@Mark — See, it was through you sharing a story that sparked this thought for me. And the kindness bug just continues to spread…thank you for starting it out Mark!
@BC Doan — That’s the thing about kindness, we appreciate it so much. And it’s hard to contain, once someone has been extra-kind to us!
@Wendi — Well, that’s just an awesome idea! Thanks for sharing it here Wendi. When we do good things, it just makes us feel good doesn’t it! I love this idea — it’s so simple, and yet so effective. I wonder how many I would have today were I keeping track — a couple that I can think of, but I don’t think I’ve reached a full hand yet of deliberate kindness…so I better keep at it!
@Tammy — Sometimes that’s all it takes — someone to be a friend, or lend an ear. Good luck in your efforts Tammy. It’s not always “easy” being kind. In the end, though, when you look back on it — and to think you’ve made a difference — that is powerful!
@Simple Sapien — It was both refreshing and humbling when it happened. While embarrassed that it happened, we were extremely grateful for this kindness from a stranger. I wish you well, Jack, as you go out and do good!
@Suzie — Mark’s story just brought this right to the forefront for me. Sometimes a reminder of the good that people do is such a refreshing change of pace.
@Jean — That’s the key Jean, that I think you’ve hit upon — our little corners of the world. We don’t need to do something big and grand (although there isn’t anything wrong with that either) to make a difference. Kindness can start right out our front door…
@Pink Ink — Sometimes we forget to be kind to those we are closest to, don’t we. Thank you for the reminder that it’s not just about being kind to strangers, but also to those we love and care about.
@Small Footprints — Thank you! And thanks for your wonderful thought — how one small act can spread! Who knows how far it can go! That is such a powerful thought — the power of one small act of kindness…
@Davina — She DID feed me in more than one way! One feeding lasted until dinner (the food). The other continues to feed me (kindness)! In a world where we are rushed to get everything done, even a small conversation with a stranger can mean the world to them. Thanks for sharing your story of song and dance! What a great example of this…
@Writer Dad — The ripple effect, yes! Who knows how far those ripples will travel…
@Stacey — It was lovely Stacey! And, it makes me wonder what I would do were I on the other end of that situation? Would I do the same thing? I hope I would. But, still I wonder… About “saving ourselves” — yes, I think oftentimes we’re watching out for ourselves, and not thinking of others. Oh sure, maybe we’ll make a donation to the Red Cross, or buy Girl Scout cookies from the neighbor. But, when we really “see” someone in need, what do we do? I wonder about that for myself too… You have the right attitude on this whole kindness thing Stacey — just make it a part of who we are, not just when it is “convenient”.
@Vered — Thanks for sharing that — it’s so true as to what really (really) is important in this life we live. What really matters, deep down, to a person — the kindness of another…
@Jennifer — Yes, I bet she felt pretty awesome! She did a great thing! Right, sometimes it’s the little things that make the biggest difference. Especially if your kindness is directly affecting one person. They feel a connection. You feel a connection. And it spreads. And, Wendi is onto something isn’t she!
@Maya — Yes, this kindness bug is infectious! In a very good way! That’s a very nice thing you have been doing for pregnant mothers. And it shows that kindness can be as simple as a few nice words. Thanks for sharing that here.
A wonderful reaffirmation of the basic goodness in most people…a lesson we all need to practice and spread more often. Thanks…
peace,
mike
livelife365
Mike Fosters last blog post..Streeeeeetch Your Life
I once came across an article that was called “The State of the World”. In it the author details certain things he noticed during the day, like a child and mother walking hand in hand, a teenager helping an elder cross the street, a man helping a young woman change a tire, and so on. And so he reported that there are many reasons to be hopeful. I think acts like the ones you and Mark describe make us all feel hopeful as to the state of the world.
Wow!! Lucky you! Not about the $15. But getting touched by the gesture of this kind woman and then deciding to pass on the love, by sharing it on your blog! Perhaps, she is someone an angel or your guides has sent, to share a loving message with you and us all!
Evelyn Lims last blog post..How Would You Cross The River?
What you are describing is very much like the power of a smile. Instead of giving kind acts, you are giving something not tangible that uplifts the spirit of others.
Daniel Allen / The Efficiancy Proposals last blog post..5 Ways To Embrace Every Moment
Yeah, kindness rocks!
I’ve finally decided to donate blood. A little bit of squeamishness has held me back but it’s time to step up. I won’t have the buzz of seeing a smile on the face of the person I helped, but knowing I helped someone in some way is enough.
Glee Girls last blog post..Cupcake quickie…and tax
This is an amazing story.
“It’s special because I left the restaurant that day feeling a renewed sense of hope in our world.”
Ah, the effects of kindness can’t be overlooked. The potential, mind-boggling.
Bamboo Forests last blog post..7 Things That Happen in Movies — But Probably Not to You
Nice! I think you are a kind person who draw that kind of energy into your life *smile*
I couldn’t agree more. Kindness seems to be a lost art form. There’s just too much negativity in the world.
Open a door for someone, say hello and thank you, or even just smile a little more. You’ll be surprised at the reaction you’ll get from people.
Thanks for the reminder.….….….….….….:)
You know Lance, people are amazing sometimes. A simple act of kindness can come from nowhere, and when it does…when you experience it first-hand…it’s one of the most amazing things ever!
LOVE THE STORY.
and whatta boost Im sure she got from havin g the opportunity to spread the love.
Im going to do an act of kindness today in her honor.
MizFits last blog post..Im down with MBT (yeah you know me)
talk about letting her light shine! Since we rarely witness these acts of kindness in our world, when one happens to us.….….WOW! Time to run with it and let it snowball
I second what MizFit said. Looking for my act of kindness today 
Annettes last blog post..Do You Rely too Much on Machines and Equipment?
@Mike — It really is a wonderful reaffirmation of the “goodness” inherent in people!
@Marelisa — I am hopeful for our world. Even when there are things going on that are bad, there is so much good happening too. Little things, big things, in between things. All making an impact of someone else, and spreading!
@Evelyn — Right, it wasn’t about the $15. It was about the impact. Sent from above…hmmm…I’ve not thought of it this way, but who’s to say that there wasn’t some sort of divine intervention. And even though it happened several years ago, it’s something that is still with me to this day. That does speak to higher powers…
@Daniel — Thanks! To think this gift can be passed on through my words is a powerful concept to me.
@Glee Girl — Giving blood, that’s awesome. I’ve done this before, you’ll do fine! And, it’s a great way to help someone. That you don’t know who you will help doesn’t change the impact you can have on another’s life. You are doing good in this world!
@Bamboo Forest — One small act can (and did) have an impact beyond what we think it might. And that’s the beauty of kindness, you never know how far it will go after you give some away…
@Spiritlight — Thank you! And I just hope that I can be as kind to strangers as this woman was to me.
@LisaNewton — I think some of the negativity comes because we lived in a rushed world. We have to get here faster, or finish more work in less time, or run to more places. And in the rush of it all, we become blind to what is going on around us. And negativity builds up. A little dose of kindness can go a long way to releasing some of this negativity we see in the world…
@Ricardo — It is amazing! Because it’s so unexpected. And when it happens, you can help but feel a genuine desire yourself to spread that kindness to others. The ripple effect, like Writer Dad said…
@MizFit — It was a big boost for me, and I’m sure it was for her as well. Thank you for continuing to spread kindness in this world, MizFit!
@Annette — A moment where someone really goes out of their way to help a stranger — it is rare. And it really becomes a moment to remember. Let the snowball of kindness grow!! You’ll do well today…
Great story! I wish the news reported stories like that … spreading the word of how fantastically generous and loving we humans can be to each other. Thanks for sharing this!
Blessings,
Andrea
Hi Lance — that’s a lovely story about the sandwiches. It makes us feel good to be kind, doesn’t it!
Robins last blog post..Ice And Global Warming
I love Vered’s quote above! And I’m shocked–even though $15 isn’t much, it’s pretty generous, especially in tough economic times. Perhaps that was the point, though, at least from the gifter’s perspective.
Thanks for sharing this story. It really makes me want to go out and spread the kindness around.
This was great post. Not only is it free to be kind to others, it is also free to be kind to MOTHER EARTH. I walking to my car this morning and I saw a guy in a suit walking (probably to work). Then I noticed him looking at something in his path and he wrinkled his forehead. This intrigued me. I stopped in my tracks to watch him pick up a crumpled paper towel and an empty soda bottle. Then he carried it with him until he saw a trash can and tossed it in. Wow! I was so impressed. Such a small task but such an important one. He picked up someone else’s garbage to keep our world clean.
I enjoy all of your posts.
That is SO sweet. It’s really wonderful to see and hear about these things. Definitely inspires a renewed sense of hope in the world!
I will be extra sure today to look for opportunities to perform some small acts of kindness:)
Sagans last blog post..The Abs Challenge!
Just look at this great response to this post! It’s really affecting people. There’s no telling what kind of good will be done!
You have really created a great community here! That’s the result of a great writer! Great job here Lance.
Jennifers last blog post..I’m a Star!
Kindness is contagious. And often it is the small gestures that have huge impacts. I’m spending the evening with my niece and nephews and will look for special ways to pay it forward.
Stacey / Create a Balances last blog post..Yes, Oprah Really Did Call Me
@Andrea — We hear too much bad news don’t we. It’s rare that story of hope and inspiration. And yet, these stories are out there.
@Robin — Yes, it does feel great to be kind!
@Sara — That quote IS great — kindness matters more than we think sometimes! I certainly thought it was very generous. Go out and share your kindness today Sara!
@Angel — Great point, it’s not just people we can be kind to. The earth, animals, our material goods. Everything. Thanks for sharing your story of kindness and hope — something many people would not do — stop to pick up someone else’s trash. It would be nice if it wasn’t there in the first place, also. But if it is, stopping to pickup some litter is such an easy thing to do — and not only kindness to the earth, but it can leave an impression with others (you, me, etc). And it spreads…
@Sagan — Hearing stories like this really does renew our beliefs about people and society, and gives us hope. Go forth and spread your kindness Sagan!
@Jennifer — Yes, this has been a powerful reminder for me that a simple story of kindness can be spread for much good. And, the great community is because of the great people that really leave very heartfelt comments (like you!). Thank you!
Stacey/Create a Balance — Yes, it is contagious. Kind of like a bug, only a good kind of contagious! Small acts do have large impacts, I think — because it feels personal to both the giver and the receiver. Have fun with all the kids tonight (and be a little goofy)!
See there’s hope for this world yet! Recently my cousin was in Walmart with her two kids and another on the way when a woman out of no where began talking with her. They talked for about 15 minutes and parted ways.
An hour had passed when she finally made it to the check out when she spotted the woman again. This time she handed my cousin a $100 gift card for the kids and told my cousin thank you for taking the time to talk with her. As she recently lost her husband and all of her children were grown she was very lonely and needed the company.
Small gestures go a long way, great story Lance…continue sharing the that helping hand!
Brandi Magills last blog post..What’s Stopping YOU?
Another inspiring post Lance! It is true that the real power of giving is not necessarily in the value of the gift but in the thought.It is the thought that counts!
We all want to be loved, and it touches us if someone gives us something. What touches us is really not the gift, it is the knowledge that someone has shown us love. What you have written here Lance just goes to show that there is power in love. That power cannot be quantified, for it is so much more than the gift. Am sure that you have shared this story with many people, and today you have also shared it with even more people. Just imagine how many people have been inspired by the act of love that you received. Many, am sure. So the act of love you received has not only inspired you but has touched a vast community! Is’nt this great?
It has inspired me to practise giving a bit more. Deepak Chopra says we can practise giving even through praying for a stranger in the street. Sending loving thoughts is also giving. So giving is not just limited to money or objects. Therefore, we can give anytime, anywhere. Smiling to a stranger, or holding that door for the person behind you, really goes a long way. So it is really simple to give an act of kindness. Lets do it more…
Sharon’s last blog post..You Lift Me Up, Thank You!
It’s a lovely story! We can still see some kindness around us. At the same time, I’m trying to remind myself to be kind to anyone, even to stranger. They don’t necessarily ask me for help. I just offer like picking a child’s shoe when the father is holding him, showing a lady how to press the towel machine to get the paper towel in the washroom etc. A smile in return is just fulfilling!
Rosabels last blog post..Finger Painting with the Little Ones!
Hi Lance — I hear you. We can be kind in so many ways, and like you said, it’s not always about money. We have a “T” intersection I’m at a lot, and rarely will someone in front of me let a car out to turn left. I make it a point to stop and wave them to go. I’ve been in their position and know what it’s like to just sit there and get frustrated. Sometimes people behind me honk, but I ignore them. To me it’s more important to show kindness.
Barbara Swaffords last blog post..Biggest Misconceptions About Blogging
Wow great post! What a great lesson for your kids too!
@Brandi — Yes, our world is filled with hope! Even if we sometimes don’t see it, it’s there in the little miracles that happen everyday. Thanks for sharing your story here Brandi — another real example of the power of kindness!
@Rarestone — You’ve said it so well — yes, the power is in the thought. Sometimes our kindness can be something small, and it is appreciated more that you “thought” of another person — as opposed to what you did for them. People appreciate kindness. People feel good when they receive kindness (as well as give it). And, yes, it really shows our love for one another. I am in awe of what the power of writing this has done — what has been passed on through words and a story. And that, too, shows me that people value kindness very much!
@Rosabel — Thank you! It’s the small things that can make such a big difference! Thanks for sharing some examples — it just shows that kindness really is so easy to give…
@Barbara — That’s a great example. We have roads like that here too. And it can be very hard to get out. I always appreciate it when someone lets me through — and I always feel myself being nicer to others after that has happened to me. The power of kindness…
@Natalia — Thanks, and yes it was a great lesson for everyone!
Hi Lance, I haven’t visited you for a while and I wanted to let you know that you’ve done wonders building community of like-minded bloggers here. It’s a credit to your special spirit and the connection that you make with us. I’m pleased that you are in our world.
Tom Volkar / Delighful Works last blog post..Why Don’t We Use What We Already Know?
I’ve been grumpy since I read this. Not because I read this though.
I haven’t made an opportunity to be kind either.
I have been kind in the past and I will be kind in the future.
Will you let me off, or am I banished from The Jungle forever?
Dave Fowlers last blog post..Flaps. Check. Undercarriage. Check.
@Tom — Thanks! I do feel very much a community feeling here, and that is very empowering for me!
@Dave — Grumpy, eh? Hmm…do I let you off the hook.….……thinking.….still thinking.…..yeah, you’re off the hook! You’re always welcome in this Jungle Dave! I know you will go out and do good! Now, go out and have some fun with your family today.….
Hi Lance — what a wonderful story. What that lady did was really kind. And I know what you mean — things like that really make you feel better about the world in general don’t they? No matter how much bad is out there — there’s still good people and it makes a whole heap of difference. Thanks for sharing.
Wow! How did I miss you! You are an excellent and very heartfelt writer. Like a breath of fresh air. I will mark your blog and come back. I really relate strongly to this post and it is SO good to see this coming from another human being. I love the story and more importantly the powerful insights you garnered from the expereince. Just wonderful!
I also see lots of my friends here. They are an enriching and warm group of people. I can see why they are drawn to your site. Just like them, I love it!!
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@Cath — I did have a real feeling of everything being right in the world after that happened. It was a powerful testimony to what the kindness of a stranger can do! The world IS full of good people!
@Robin — Thanks for stopping by, I’m glad you’re here! And, thank you for your kind words. Kindness, something we might not truly experience everyday, is such a powerful thing, especially when it is given by a stranger. And it give me hope that our world is a wonderful place, filled with much kindness…
Wow, now that is a great story!
Ask The Dietitians last blog post..The Minimalist Diet
@Ask the Dietitian — Thanks, I’m glad you like it! And, thanks for stopping by, come back anytime!
There are plenty of times in a day when we as people can be kind to someone else, or a group of people. How good can you make people feel when you bring in a treat to work and they ask you why and you say, “just because!” It’s a great feeling! I am going to keep thinking about this post for a long time, everyone should!
Jennys last blog post..Moments
@Jenny — It doesn’t take much does it Jenny — to make others feel good? Why don’t we just do it more often?? As I was writing this, it really brought this moment back into the forefront — and I thought about just that — the little things we can do, everyday, to make other people’s lives a little easier.
Wonderful article, it is amazing what people remember about you. Most of the time it is some little thing you said or did. And it is true that when people perform acts of kindness it is good for their health.
Tai´s last blog post..Quick and Easy Hummus Dip Recipe