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 The
other day I got onto a very crowded bus. Every seat was full and there
was barely any standing room. I was carrying my two-year-old, his diaper
bag and a stroller. The bus started moving as soon as I paid the fare,
and I frantically looked around for something to hold onto so the two
of us wouldn't lurch forward into the crowd. I happened to catch the eye
of a dark-haired man sitting comfortably in one of the seats near the
back. He didn't say anything, but he smiled at me, got up and gestured
for me to sit down. I thanked him several times for his thoughtfulness,
but he just nodded and walked away. That was it. Just a small interaction.
But you know, his kindness changed my day. And in some ways, I could say
it changed my life. Because now, days later, I am still moved and affected
by his gesture. When I stop to think about it, the quality of my life
is totally transformed by the small kindnesses I choose to give and receive
each day.
I've started collecting simple kindness ideas from people. If you've
got any you'd like to share on this site, send 'em to me at Sherry@SimplyCelebrate.net.
I'd love to hear from you. Oh, and let me know if it is okay to use your
name and the city and state you live in!)
- If someone comes into my office at work, I put down whatever I'm doing
and give them my full attention.
- When I'm in a busy line at the grocery store and the cashier is obviously
stressed, I try to say something to convey that I'm in no hurry and
to let them know they can relax a minute.
- I start my day off by having some quiet time to myself so that when
I go out in the world, I'm more grounded, which allows me to be kind
to people. (This is also kind to myself!)
- When I'm driving I try to listen to relaxing tapes so that I stay
calm and am more able to extend kindness to other people driving at
rush hour.
- If I'm at a toll bridge, I pay for the person behind me, too.
- Sometimes I carry a $5 bill in my pocket and if someone asks for money,
I have that bill ready, without thought.
- If I'm at a crosswalk and a car stops for me, I like to be sure to
give a friendly wave and make eye contact.
- Send anonymous notes to people, saying, "You're such a wonderful person."
Or "Thanks for all the love you offer the world." It makes me happy
just thinking about the list of people I could send such notes to–store
clerks, people I randomly choose from the yellow pages, that friend
in upstate New York whom I haven't spoken with in years–what fun!
- If someone drops something even if I don't know them, I will immediately
pick it up and hand it to them, smile and go on with what I was doing
because it is just natural to help. –(Eric Mallory; Fort Collins,
CO)
- When telemarketers call, I try to be friendly and polite to them even
as I let them know I'm not interested. After all, I know that these
are just people like you and me who need to make a living.
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