Random Acts of Kindness: Try It, You'll Like It

Official National Kindness Day was a week or so ago. Isn’t there a day for everything? And shouldn't we try to be kind eveyday?

Anyway, we were all supposed to be especially kind on that day.  My received random act of kindness actually came the day before. I was in line to get a “skinny,” decaf, no foam latte at Chocolate on Shallowford Road. I ordered and started to pay, but the cashier said, “Oh, no charge.” I guess I looked a little confused, so she explained, “A lady gave me $30 above her order and said to pay for as many people as it would pay – you are number four.” I wondered which lady it was so I could thank her, but she had already left. Wasn’t that nice? For the rest of the day I walked around feeling good about life. I even did my own kindness thing by putting a couple of coins in a parking meter that was about to expire.

I think we should practice kindness everyday. Like, don’t you hate going to the Post Office at Briarcliff Road and Clairmont? There is always a line and usually a person with four packages to mail is in front of you. So if you are the person with the boxes, why not let the person behind you with one letter to mail go ahead of you? They will be so happy and you will only spend a few more minutes in line. Or, if a wait staff person has been especially attentive and nice, leave a little extra tip – you can even write “good job” or something on the paper money. Try complimenting the grumpy clerk at the unemployment office on her hairdo or necklace or something and watch her get a little less frazzled. Well, you get the drift. Just a few words or small gesture of kindness can make the day – both for you and someone else!

I have kindness suggestion for you. While you are out and about Christmas shopping or running errands, buy a new toy and drop it at one of the donation spots for Toys for Tots. They have been around for over 30 years and, with the help of those gorgeous Marines, do a great job helping make Christmas a little happier for disadvantaged kids. On Christmas morning you can think about the smile on the face of the child who receives the toy you donated and that should make you smile as well.

So, go forth and be kind. Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays y’all!