By Lori Hanson
I’m on this kindness thing this week. I can’t get it out of my head. The more I think, write and talk about it, the more it blows my mind. We can make such a big impact on those we meet on a daily basis just by coming from a place of kindness and compassion. And think about it for a minute—how many people do you meet in a day that you say to yourself “wow he/she was so kind?” after being around them? I’ll bet not as many as those you think were rude!
As society has shifted with the wave of technology, so too has the ability of many people to remember to acknowledge other human beings they encounter on a daily basis. The cashier that waits on you while you’re busy babbling on your cell phone to someone else. Or the waiter that barely acknowledges you as a person but steps up and says “What would you like?” then walks away. I love going to places where the waiter knows how to engage a discussion and acts like they actually care that I came in. You know the ones that actually enjoy their jobs and make it fun to be there?
I’ve heard the story a few times about people paying it backwards when they go through the drive through and prepay for the person(s) behind them. Love that kind of energy and seeing something positive on the Yahoo when I go to the internet.
When you take an extra minute or two and make someone feel welcome, compliment a complete stranger on their outfit, haircut, or glasses it changes the energy of your day. I just had a guy stop in two minutes ago to pick up a keyboard stand I put on Craig’s list. He had on a cute checkered hat with a red bobble on top and was declaring (to me) his desire to make a fashion statement. All I said as I opened the door was “Love your hat!” and with a big huge smile he said “Thank you!” It feels good to receive a compliment and it warms your heart to smile. An act of kindness doesn’t cost a thing and provides a lot of ROI (return on investment).
I found this little poem earlier today by Sam Levenson and love its message:
“For Attractive lips, speak words of kindness. For lovely eyes, seek out the good in people.
For a slim figure, share your food with the hungry.
For beautiful hair, let a child run their fingers through it once a day.
For poise, walk with the knowledge that you never walk alone.
People, more than things, have to be restored, renewed, revived, reclaimed, and redeemed. Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you will find one at the end of each of your arms.
As you grow older, you will discover that you have two hands, one for helping yourself and the other for helping others.” ― Sam Levenson
Will you take my kindness challenge?
For the next week, commit to doing three random acts of kindness. Look for opportunities to share your heart with others. It is in being authentic and acting from the heart that we make real connections in life. And when your connections are real, you’ll improve the way you feel. I’m not George Zimmerman, but I guarantee it!
©2013
