I remember some time ago seeing a bumper sticker with the words 'Perform Random Acts of Kindness.' Now I'm the one shopping for that sticker so I can remind myself to 'pay it forward.' Today, in the pouring rain, a total stranger stepped away from filling his own tire with air, took the hose out of my hands, knelt down in a puddle, and filled up the almost-flattened tire on my car. It's not that I can't perform this task, but I was struggling a bit, the stranger noticed, and he immediately stepped forward to help me. Then he offered me suggestions about getting my tire checked out - even suggesting a place to go that would 'check the tires for free.' Wow! Another Random Act of Kindness - thank you Universe.
This is the second time within 2 weeks that someone has come forward - last time same scenario - different stranger - to offer and assist me. Another time, I was trying to carry a load of things to my car after breaking down my exhibitor table from the Milford Oyster Festival. A voice behind me said, 'Let me help you with that,' and before you know it this man with his wife and baby in a stroller come aside me and he takes some of the things from my hands. He insisted on walking with me all the way to my car, parked 3 blocks away - sending his wife and baby to their car, parked closer by. I tried to press a 'thank you $20' into his hand as I shook it, but he staunchly refused. I didn't get his name, but he smiled the whole time he was helping me, and smiled as he walked away. Amazing gesture and Random Act of Kindness - again from a total stranger.
Now these - folks - are a prime examples of everyday Random Acts of Kindness. It restores my faith in a world gone crazy with muggings, murder, mayhem, and the uncaring. Me, I'm going to be more proactively looking for 'Random Acts of Kindness' to perform. How about you?
A smile or act of of kindness can significantly impact someone's day.. I have committed and received so many acts of kindness it is hard to narrow them down so I will share the 2 most recent ones.. Someone I didn't know and barely spoke to paid for my meal before they left the diner..Also, I was at the Dr.'s office and didn't realize I had a $50 cancellation fee from the last appt and I only had $30 on me and a woman I didn't know overheard the conversation at the front desk and paid the difference.. I believe when you give without expecting anything in return it comes back to you ten fold!!