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It Is In Giving That You Get

It was one of those unexpected moments of generosity that just takes your breath away - I called up my favorite sandwich shop, ordered two veggie hoagies, and arranged to pick them up in ten minutes. Parking places are hard to find around there so my wife dropped me off, saying she would pick me up again in a few minutes.  I walk in and mention my order. "Ah yes! Here you go. That'll be $14.87," the burly man behind the counter said.  I gave him the cash and he handed me my change. As I picked up the napkins he handed me a giant empty glass. "Here you go," he said. "That's for your drink."  I took it, not really sure why he had given it to me. "Um, I actually didn't order a drink," I said and tried to hand him the glass back.  "Oh, I know. Go ahead, help yourself to a ... Read Full Story >>

The "Life Is Good" Lady

One day, on my way to work, I pulled into the Dunkin Donuts drive-thru. I was tired, hungry, worried about money and bills - as usual! I was behind this woman in a VW with a "Life is Good!" sticker on the back window.   As she put her hand out the window to pay I saw her beautifully manicured nails and the expensive looking jewelry on her arm. Her hair looked like she'd just been to the salon.     My envy immediately kicked in and I started grousing. 'Must be nice!' and various other mean-spirited thoughts went through my mind. I was resentful of her material possessions and her "Life is Good" attitude.   When it was my turn to pay the cashier told me that the lady in the VW had paid for my order! I was told that she regularly goes through the drive-thru, gets a cup of coffee, pays with ... Read Full Story >>

Simple Loving Kindness Wherever You Are

  A good friend came to visit yesterday and really helped me appreciate a lot of things we take for granted.   She is French and lived here in the U.K. for several years. But recently, because of work commitments, she moved to a third country. She said it was such a culture shock and she cried for the first six weeks she was there.    What upset her was the lack of personal freedom and the lack of almost any expression of humanity in the government organisations. The people always felt they were being watched and the only way to get decent food and equipment was by taking part in a frightening black market economy.   But! Even in the midst of such darkness it is still possible to find some beautiful people; like her landlady, who visited her every day, helped with the three children - and even cooked for her! And the Head Teacher ... Read Full Story >>

A Rare Hug

I was on my way to an appointment, and saw the beggar standing on his corner as usual.I didn't have any money and he was talking to somebody else anyway, so I passed him by.   On my way back from the appointment I passed him on his corner again. This time he asked me for money. I told him, "Sorry, I don't have any coins on me."   He replied, "I wouldn't mind the bills!" And he laughed a little, saying he was just making fun.    I laughed too and reached out to rub his shoulder and arm. Then I turned to be on my way, busy with my thoughts.   But he called something after me. I stopped when I realised he had said, "That felt really good ... that you touched me. It happens so seldom!"   I turned, ran to him, and gave him a big hug, which made both of us smile like idiots.   He ... Read Full Story >>

Appreciating The Rare Gems in Our Lives

I met a lady years ago, only twice, but she has stayed in my mind until she died at 97 years of age, a week ago. I asked myself why did she stay with me all these years. She was one of those people who are just so lovely and good. She wasn't bitter when she could have been, wasn't angry, wasn't a gossip, mean, or hard to talk to. She just was a really kind, loving, forgiving person.  When you meet someone and you have an instant connection and feel like this person is a friend, cherish the time. Learn from the time you spend with them. They are like rare gems. I hope to be a rare gem. To cultivate those qualities in myself. To all my lovely rare gems on KS, I am grateful for you. 

 

Thank You, Co-conspirator In Kindness

One of my favorite parts of using smile cards is when other people agree to be my accomplice in our little kindness conspiracy. Some folks look at you weird when you ask for such an unusual favor, you know? :) Like once I asked a toll booth operator if I could pay for the car behind me, and I got a blank stare. After a brief explanation, he hesitantly agreed, but then said it was too complicated when I presented a smile card with the double payment. Okay, next time. So, it's nice when folks "get it" :) and even feel like they're receiving a favor in agreeing to do me a favor.  At a barbershop recently, after getting my haircut, I went to the counter to pay. My barber said, "That'll be twenty dollars please." I saw in my wallet I had exactly forty-two dollars. "Okay, tell me if you think this ... Read Full Story >>

Final Resting Place

As I left my home this morning, I found three small feathers on my windshield, which I kept in the car.

As I was heading into work, outside in the parking lot, I noticed that there was a dead sparrow on the pavement. She must have been less than a day old since she passed. I know that the ultimate act of kindness would have been to nurse her wounds had it been alive, but at this point, there was only once choice for me.

I put my laptop bag down on the ground and made room by an adjacent flower bed, in between the mound junipers, for her to have her final resting place... It felt right.

I gathered all twigs and leaves that I could find and covered her body.

Thank you little sparrow for your journey in this reality..

A Heartfelt Way to End the Year

There is a family in our neighborhood that moved here from Sri Lanka. Their daughter goes to the same school as my children so we see her at the bus stop often. They have had a tough time since they came to America. They had some medical bills last week that made Christmas gifts not possible.

I told my wife that we needed to help her. We got the family a gift card and two toys for each of her two children. When my wife called her mom and told her what we were going to do, she wanted to help too. She bought a few gifts for each child as well.

We took over the gifts, some cookies and wrapping paper for the gifts. The woman was so happy and excited that the kids would have some things to open for Christmas. We couldn't be happier ourselves that we had spread a few smiles.

Some friends and I are doing 10 kind acts for the last 10 days of the year starting today. I thought this was a great way to start it off! It was six years ago today that I joined HelpOthers. It has changed my life in the BEST way, causing me to do more things like this than I ever have! Day one down, nine to go! :)

MSS

Drive-Up Smiles

  I received a package of new Smile cards and decided that I would focus on people who work in drive-up businesses.     My first act was at the drive-up window of my bank. It was a new person I had never seen before. I thought to myself, 'This is kind of hokey but I'll try it.' So, I put a Smile card underneath the check I was cashing. She counted out my money and then, with a big smile on her face, inquired about the card. We had a nice chat and I gave her some additional cards to pass on. That was how my day started.   The next day I had worked late and stopped by a fast food restaurant drive-up window to collect a salad. A clear voice over the intercom took my order and I put a Smile card underneath my payment. The young girl smiled and asked me ... Read Full Story >>

More Kindness Inspired By A Homeless Man

  It was bitterly cold and I had been watching a homeless man make himself comfortable in a "shelter" next to a power unit on the canal bank. His "shelter" was a tarpaulin taped to the metal unit and anchored with rocks to keep the wind from blowing it away.  He had been living there for over a month in weather that often dipped below freezing. In all the times I passed that makeshift lean-to I never saw him with warm clothing or food. I knew what I wanted to do.   I was young, living at home, and when I told my parents what I wanted to do they were alarmed. I could be putting myself at risk, taking a box to a homeless person in the night time! But I knew, on some intrinsic level, that I would be safe.    I went to the grocery store and got an apple box with a solid top ... Read Full Story >>

Light At The End Of Dark Tunnel

I happened to face loneliness and difficulties which made me dull for a while. During, this time, when anyone approached me, respected me or supported me in smallest way, I noticed it and felt grateful. I had taken small gestures like being welcomed, thought-of or included  for granted. However, during this emotional phase, I noticed each of these and was humble, simple and thankful to others. I had built walls around myself and was keeping my distance (having dutiful relations, not friendly connections) with a few people (this even included family members) because of holding small grudges against them. During, this trying phase, when they were kind in little ways, i noticed it and was able to acknowledge and accept it.  I realize some of these walls were either shaken or partly broken. Now, if these same people are able to interact with me, invite me or call me; freely, as a friendly ... Read Full Story >>

Hot Burritos Warm My Heart

  The company I work for actually pay my public transportation costs on a yearly basis.  Because of this I travel to work every day on the MAX train which goes through the downtown area of the city, so I get to see homeless men, women and sometimes children sleeping in doorways along the way.    My heart just aches for these people and I knew I couldn't keep looking away - but I didn't know what I could do that would make any difference.     'Well,' I thought, 'I can cook!'  So I started making piping hot burritos and giving them out!   My income is not great and I can't afford to do it every day but most weeks I will pass out about two dozen burritos. The men and women are so appreciative and always say "Thank you" or "God bless you." And their words do bless me!   And now there is a co-worker ... Read Full Story >>

Cookies And Tea With An Extra Helping of Kindness

  I had just finished my shopping and was crossing the busy street when I saw an elderly man walking in my direction. He was leaning on a walking frame and I felt that he might need a little assistance crossing the street. So, I walked up to him and volunteered my help.    It seemed that my hunch was right. He wasn't aiming for the proper crossing place, he was keen on crossing the street from where he was to get to the bus stop on the other side.   I stepped out and waved my hand for the drivers to take notice of the man and slow down a little.   He got safely to the other side. But, somehow, I felt I could do more than just help him cross the street. So, I reassured him he was at the right stop, then I ran back across the road to get him some tea ... Read Full Story >>

Big Girl Pants On

To be truthful my mom and I have had a contentious relationship due, in large part, to issues that stem from a series of unfortunate events in her life, plus some mini-strokes she suffered.

In the light of all that I have made peace with loving her, even though she might not always make it easy. It requires a lot of deep breaths and patience when I enter her world. 

Today I called my mom and invited her out to lunch. I will also ask if she'd like to attend my daughter's first basketball game this afternoon. 

I love her and want the best for her. Here's hoping she's able to meet me halfway today. If not, that's okay. I've put my "big girl pants" on.

Creative Coupon Kindness

I've always disliked throwing away the coupons that I will never use (diapers, baby wipes etc.). To me, it feels a little like throwing away money. So I decided to take those coupons to the store with me yesterday along with my wrist tape dispenser.  I would tape the coupons I wasn't using to the product in hopes that someone could use it and I wouldn't have to throw them in the trash.  

I got to the diaper aisle and taped a wipe and diaper coupon to the diaper box.  As I moved my way down the diaper aisle, I noticed a mother with her young son putting the exact wipes in her cart.  Then I watched her put the exact diapers in her cart as well.  I walked over and took the taped coupon off the other box and handed it to her along with another diaper coupon that I hadn't yet taped.  She was so surprised and happy since she had left her coupons at home that day. 

One of my coupons was $5 off a Swiffer system.  I could only image the face of the person that found that one taped to their new purchase !! 

So, from now on, I am going to be the coupon fairy and share what I get with others.  

YOU Are The Gift

I am checking into my underground penthouse a.k.a cave until my six week follow up with the neurosurgeon. I have some sort of flu and the nerve pain has increased significantly. I'm not feeling like a happy camper. So I will leave you with this from 'The Joy Team' out of Vancouver WA. I'm not sure where this billboard is but I should track it down. Thank you ALL for being such gifts in my life - even when I am not here. xoxoxo

My Heart Was Tugged

It was a really chilly evening when I left the office to go to my P.O. Box.  When I arrived in the little shopping center, it was alive with folks bundled up in warm coats going about their busy lives.  To the side of the post office sat a woman on a cement wall, dressed only in sweatpants, a hoodie, and tennis shoes. Beside her were a few plastic bags of belongings.  She looked down when anyone came near her, and shyly looked up to glance when they went by.  She clearly was homeless. She clearly touched my heart.  She had to be so cold. I got into my car to leave, but just couldn't.  My heart was so tugged.  Then, I remembered that I had a brand new down hiking coat in my trunk.  I also had some blankets that I was going to give to the homeless.  This was ... Read Full Story >>

June Kindness Contest Winner! - In Giving, True Abundance We Recieve

I had written for the Kindness Contest and am grateful that Kindspring helped me make a wish come true. My intention was to reach out to the homeless elderly on the streets in India and felt a pair of footwear would provide them a bit of comfort. But I was still unsure that what I perceived as their need, may be far from reality. With the amount received from Kindspring, I took a part of it and headed out. It also happened to be a Hindu festival called Akshya Tritaya and the tradition is to give in kind like food, clothing, footwear, umbrellas, etc for those in need. The first withered lady I met was Kuppamma and I asked "What would you do, given Rs.300?" She said that she would probably eat some food. I asked her what she needs beyond food and she responded that she needed a saree to ... Read Full Story >>

Young Souls Old Bodies

The woman who lives across the street is in her late 80's and 2 years ago I was gifted with the chance to help her a few days a week.   I learned that she is a kindred spirit and so we became great friends.  Lately she has been down in the dumps and has expressed that she is just tired of being alive. She feels very lonely and frustrated with her inability to 'do' much of anything anymore. We have begun talking about the stages of life, especially the final stage where our bodies become less able and we learn to focus on our spirits. Following the prompt yesterday, I passed on a book to her that describe how caterpillars just know that there is more to life than crawling and eating.   Eventually they take a chance and become butterflies! It seemed fit for where she is in her life right now. ... Read Full Story >>

Spread Love Everywhere You Go

Dear friends, I hope that all is well. One of the things I know is that it is human nature to want things. We all want more money, better homes, better cars, and better relationships and so on. So what is the secret to getting all that we want? I have been looking for that answer for a while and if you have it I pray you will share. Here is what I would like to share, I started tithing last year and I made the minimum amount based on my income. This past Sunday as I reflected in all that is going well in my life I realized that I was not giving back at the rate to which I am being given. This made me think of life in general and how we want so much from life but we are willing to give so little. We often agonize about ... Read Full Story >>